Losing five straight games is no fun. Losing a sixth straight on national television would be a lot worse.

But the Penn State men's basketball team might have such a distinction tomorrow afternoon when it faces Illinois in the Bryce Jordan Center. The game is on ESPN.

Early in the season when the Nittany Lions (9-13, 3-8 Big Ten) were making some unexpected noise in the conference, exposure from the biggest sports media outlet in the nation would have been most welcome. But now, after going 2-8 in the past 10 games, the visit from the broadcasters in Bristol, Conn., probably isn't the best idea. However, that's why they're called upsets.

"I think [playing on national television] is a great thing for us," DeChellis said. "We need exposure for our fans and for our kids. So, I think it's great that we're playing on TV."

There's no doubt that ESPN's commentators will try to bring life to this lopsided contest. Pre-game spotlights will probably show some of sophomore Aaron Johnson's recently impressive numbers. There will be talk about the freshmen in the backcourt and the hard work they've put in this season. But unless the Lions can somehow find the confidence that left their team weeks ago, they're likely to lose another.

"I think winning's a habit and I think losing's a habit," DeChellis said. "We've let one negative thing turn into another negative thing. That can be very frustrating for me at times. I wish I could see more grit."

The first negative was the loss of DeForrest Riley-Smith, and it has been downhill ever since. Even the freshman backcourt of Marlon Smith and Ben Luber may have hit the wall.

"Ben and Marlon just have nothing left. They're just really, really tired kids," DeChellis said.

But more than all that, the Lions are facing an offense that has found ways to beat opponents both down low and from deep. The Illini just knocked off No. 12 Wisconsin with the sharp shooting of guard Deron Williams, who had 31 points. Though the Penn State freshmen will have their hands full with Williams and sophomore Dee Brown, the toughest matchup, and the one Illinois will most likely exploit, will be at the 3-spot, where Jagla will take on Luther Head.

DeChellis said that with such a shallow bench he's taking today's practice very lightly. He plans to watch video tape with the team and walk through the offensive and defensive sets.