Penn State sophomore guard Marlon Smith fell ill Friday evening and is in the hospital, according to Penn State sports information director Jeff Nelson.

Nelson said he couldn't comment any further on the situation or the status of Smith's condition.

Phone calls made yesterday to Penn State men's basketball sports information director Pat Donghia's hotel room in Champaign, Ill., where he is on the road with the men's basketball team, were not returned.

According to a story in The Patriot-News of Harrisburg yesterday, Smith was listed in serious condition Tuesday night at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Spokesmen of the Hershey Medical Center would not confirm nor deny Smith's status as a patient there, and referred all questions about his status to Penn State sports information.

According to the story, Smith was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center Friday night and did not travel with the team to Minneapolis for its game against Minnesota.

That same night, he was admitted to the Hershey Medical Center for further care, according to the report.

Mount Nittany Medical Center spokesmen said yesterday that they could not comment on Smith or his treatment because he is not currently a patient there.

During Penn State coach Ed DeChellis' weekly press conference on Monday, he said Smith was sick and there was no timetable for his return.

Per Smith's parents' request, DeChellis said he could not disclose any further information on the status of Smith's illness.

Smith did not travel with the team to last night's game against No. 1 Illinois.

One of the Lions' most experienced players, Smith averaged 36.2 minutes and team-high 13.4 points per game last year.

Smith ranks third on the team in scoring with 11.8 points per game and has averaged 31.3 minutes in 13 games.