STATE COLLEGE, Pa.- The No. 5 Fighting Illini men's gymnasts fell to the No. 2 Penn State Nittany Lions Saturday night, 220.150- 205.250. The Orange and Blue also took home four top-three finishes during the night, and one event title.

Freshman Chad Wiest had a positive night, winning the floor exercise with a score of 9.450. The Butler, Pa. native has experienced continued success throughout his freshman campaign. Wiest, ranked 6th on floor and 7th on vault nationally, also took home a third place finish on vault posting 8.850. Head Coach Yoshi Hayasaki was positive about Wiest's finishes tonight. "Chad has really been doing well for us and has been very consistent throughout the season."

Juniors Chris Silcox and Tyler Yamauchi also fared well during the night. Silcox finished third on floor exercise (8.850) and Yamauchi tied with Penn State's Derek Helsby for third on rings, recording 9.400. Junior all-arounder Wes Haagensen was limited to only pommel horse during the night due to shoulder pain.

Penn State's Derek Helsby notched season-high scores in four events and junior Tommy Ramos won both the rings and high bar titles carding 9.650 on rings and 9.500 on high bar, respectively.

Hayasaki was optimistic about competing against Penn State at this point in the season, as the Nittany Lions are hosting the 2007 National Championship later this year. "It is good that we got some of the younger guys to compete today," Hayaskai noted. "It's positive that we had them here doing routines and gaining some experience before we have to come back and do it again in April."

Hayasaki was realistic about the strides the Illini need to take this week to be prepared for the Pacific Coast classic next weekend. "This week, we need to get in the gym and work to be more confident in our routines. That's the task ahead."

The Illini can be seen in action next week in the Pacific Coast Classic in Oakland, California. Complete results can be found at fightingillini.com.