Illinois Basketball: Penn State sweeps Illini out of Big Ten Tournament

The Illinois basketball team suffered another opening round Big Ten Tournament exit, as the focus turns to March Madness.

Once again, the Illini was done in by a Penn State team with a lot to play for — pride and a potential March Madness bid.

As Thursday night shined bright on the United Center and the Big Ten Tournament’s grand stage, Illinois failed to deliver a decisive revenge punch, falling to the Nittany Lions for the third-straight time, 79-76.

Like it has all season long, Illinois plays to its potential in spurts, while at other times, it looks completely lost. On this early-March evening, it was one and the same. The Illini, who fell to 20-12 and will await their tournament location and opponent on Sunday, could not solve the Penn State puzzle.

What defined the game, however, was Penn State’s perimeter shooting, as the Nittany Lions’ Seth Lundy and Andrew Funk combined for 37 of the team’s 79 points. This coincided with a 17-4 run that likely changed the game’s outcome, as the Lions shot 51.8% from the field.

The Penn State victory sets up a rematch with Northwestern, as the pair met in Evanston on March 1 to the tune of a double-overtime Nittany Lion win.

As for Illinois, the Big Ten’s lowest three-point shooting team could not hit its stride, despite Terrence Shannon Jr.’s 19 points, coupled with Coleman Hawkins scoring 17 points of his own. Illinois finished just 6-for-21 from three-point range and turned the ball over seven times.

For Brad Underwood, he gave his credit where credit was due — Penn State has “the sauce” to beat his squad. Nonetheless, Underwood is looking forward to seeing his guys compete in March once again.

"”I’m excited,” Underwood said. “I think this team can go as long & as far they want to.. Give Penn State credit. I think it was more them than it was us.”"

Illinois basketball looks ahead to the NCAA Tournament

Underwood looks for his first Sweet 16 appearance in his tenure at Illinois, as the Orange and Blue’s last two seasons have ended in the Round of 32 against Loyola-Chicago and Houston.

For now, though, Selection Sunday awaits, as the Big Ten Tournament rolls on.