Illinois Basketball: 3 big questions for the Illini against Penn State

3. Will the Illini bench come through?

Over the past couple of games, Illinois has been without one of our star freshmen in Jayden Epps. Well, judging by the pictures that the men’s basketball Twitter account posted, it looks like Epps might be back for the Penn State game.

Epps’ return to the Illinois lineup is going to be huge for the program. He is likely to be coming off the bench for the game on Thursday since that is what Brad Underwood usually does with players coming off some type of injury.

With Epps potentially back in the lineup, this gives the Illini more depth. Illinois could always use more production from the bench. I want to see the bench come through for the program on Thursday.

I actually like what the Illinois bench has done against the Nittany Lions this season. In the last game, the bench combined for 17 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks.

The Illinois bench was sensational in the game against Purdue as well. They put up 22 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one block in that contest.

With a strong bench, I think Illinois has a very good chance to beat Penn State. We are going to come out firing with our starters, but then we can bring an entire second squad in that can do the same. That is such an asset to have in our favor.

If the Illini can work through screens, rebound well, and the bench keeps playing as they have been, then there is no question in my mind that we can not only beat Penn State but that we can win the entire Big Ten Tournament. It all starts on Thursday night.