CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois men's gymnastics team secured a win in its Big Ten opener against Penn State with a 408.800-401.750 victory, the highest team score this season.

Illinois is now 8-1 on the year and 1-0 in Big Ten competition. 

"These guys continue to amaze me," head coach Daniel Ribeiro said. "Today was another incredible night for these gentlemen. The energy this year has carried our momentum and tonight was no different. We still have work to get done but today was a huge step towards our ultimate goal."

The Illini started off on floor, with Connor McCool nearly breaking his career-high and winning the title with a 14.400 performance. Josh Cook followed behind him, securing a 13.900 on the night. 

Ian Skirkey, once again, won the pommel horse title and set a new season-high with a 14.900 performance. Connor Micklos also broke his career-high with a 14.000 with his routine. 

Cook earned his first still rings title and broke his career-high with a solid 14.000. Ashton Anaya was .10 behind him, scoring a 13.900. 

Amari Sewell continued his success on vault, tying his career-high on the apparatus with a 14.750 with McCool right behind him, scoring a 14.550. Cook continued his career-night on vault, scoring a 14.400.  

As a team on vault, the Illini set the second-best score in program history with a 72.500, .05 away from the highest score. 

Will Hauke had the highest score for the Orange and Blue on parallel bars, securing a 13.750. Yan Inhaber-Courchesne was right behind him with a 13.350. 

Moving onto high bar, Cook went onto tie his career-high with a 13.800 and was .10 away from the title. Evan Manivong was behind Cook, securing a 13.450. 

The Illini will head to No. 3 Ohio State to continue conference competition in Columbus, Ohio on Feb. 11 at 12 p.m. CT.