Illini collapse at Nebraska

As center Meyers Leonard slumped on the bench unable to hold back tears and with his blue warmup shirt draped over his head, he personified the frustration that has melted into hopelessness.

Freshman Myke Henry slung his arm around Leonard's back in a timeout huddle and other players looked equally as glum postgame with red-rimmed eyes.

But it's clear now.

The Illini appear beyond consoling after Saturday's 80-57 collapse at Nebraska against the Big Ten's worst team.

Shannon Ryan