For much of the first half the Nittany Lions controlled the pace of the game and were able to keep the Fighting Illini at an arm’s length and then some. However, a problem that has reared its ugly head too often this season arose once again as Penn State’s offense went ice cold to finish the half. As a result, despite controlling much of the half, Penn State’s halftime lead was just 31-30.
After jumping out to a 27-17 lead, Penn State scored just 4 points in the final 8:28 of the first half. It took a great second effort by Seth Lundy after he had a shot blocked for the Nittany Lions to even take a lead into the locker room.