Penn State upsets No. 16 Illinois 57-55

[January 12, 2011]  STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Andrew Jones converted an offensive rebound with 1 second left and Talor Battle scored 26 points to lead Penn State past No. 16 Illinois 57-55 on Tuesday night for its second straight upset of a ranked team.

After a layup by Bill Cole of Illinois tied the game with 20 seconds left, go-to guy Battle set up for the last shot. His off-balance attempt in the lane bounced off the rim and into the hands of Jones, the 6-foot-10 center who dunked in the go-ahead bucket.

Illinois' desperation heave downcourt was intercepted by Jones, and the blue-and-white faithful rushed the court.

There was good reason to celebrate -- it was the first time Penn State (10-6, 3-2 Big Ten) beat ranked foes in consecutive games since the 1954 NCAA tournament. The Nittany Lions beat then-No. 18 Michigan State 66-62 on Saturday.

Mike Tisdale had 16 points and 14 rebounds for Illinois (13-4, 3-1).

[Associated Press; By GENARO C. ARMAS]

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