Centre Daily Times | 02/08/2006 | Penn State attempting to build on big win:
“Now comes the hard part.
“Penn State couldn’t have earned more degree-of-difficulty points for Saturday’s 66-65 upset of No. 6 Illinois. Avoiding a very conceivable hangover tonight against struggling Minnesota (8 p.m., Bryce Jordan Center), however, might come close.
“‘Illinois didn’t beat us Saturday night,’ Penn State coach Ed DeChellis said. ‘I don’t want Illinois to beat us Wednesday night.’
“This is new territory for the Nittany Lions (11-9, 3-6 Big Ten), and welcome territory. Saturday’s win was their first over a ranked opponent in 14 tries in two-plus seasons under DeChellis and first since knocking off No. 5 North Carolina in the Sweet 16 in 2001.
“It was also a game that showed as well as any the resolve and determination of a group that is making up for what it lacks in depth, size and overall talent with smart play, improved chemistry and toughness.
“‘We told our team that Penn State, pound for pound, is the toughest team the in Big Ten,’ Minnesota coach Dan Munson said. ‘That team you don’t want to play no matter who you are or where you are in the Big Ten.’ … “