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Pruitt sidelined for Ohio State game

Posted by: Paul Klee

Tuesday, January 22, 2008 7:48 PM

Shaun Pruitt, the Illini's leading scorer, will not play tonight at Ohio State. A team spokesman described the benching as "a team matter that will be handled internally."

Pruitt, who is averaging 12.9 points per game, might be able to return to the lineup on Sunday against Northwestern, the spokesman said. His return will depend on whether he "handles it (the benching) in a positive way."

Pruitt is here at Value City Arena, but is not warming up with the team. With about 20 minutes until tipoff, he's wearing Illinois' warmups and sitting on the bench.

Paul
pklee@news-gazette.com