3 key takeaways from Illinois basketball get right game vs. Penn State

The women's Illinois basketball team's losing streak stops at two after a decisive 92-76 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Shauna Green's crew needed to get back on track after back-to-back losses to Michigan State and Ohio State. The Illini needed this game against Penn State to be the spark that sends them in the right direction before they face No. 9 Michigan on January 15.

Thankfully, it looks like they were able to make that happen. Granted, it was a little touch-and-go through a majority of the first half, with the Illini failing to take a lead larger than three before the 3:30 mark of the second quarter. But once they were able to leap over that threshold, Illinois was able to take complete control and never look back.

This game was something special, and it created a lot of momentum heading into Thursday. But what are some key moments from this clash that we should examine as we make our way through the rest of the season?

1. Penn State continues to be a one dimensional team

Penn State's offense primarily runs through two players, sophomore guard Kiyomi McMiller and junior center Gracie Merkle. They have been the 'Shaq and Kobe' of this rather lopsided roster, averaging a team-leading 18.9 and 18.8 points per game, respectively.

The problem for these two players, however, is the fact that their team was going up against an Illinois squad that has a multitude of scorers on their roster. Whether it's forward Berry Wallace with her 28 points, or Madde Webber with 26 points, this team has a lineup full of shooters who can go off at any moment.

Sure, it's not McMiller and Merkle's fault. They gave it their all and accounted for over half of Penn State's points this afternoon. But when you're in a game of two vs. seven, the numbers are never going to end up in your favor.

2. Destiny Jackson continues to show why she's one of the best pure point guards in the nation

Destiny Jackson was a five-star recruit and the 2025 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year for a reason. Her ability to create opportunities for herself and her teammates is next level, and something that was on full display against Penn State.

In just 33 minutes of play, Jackson was able to record 15 points, nine assists, and four rebounds on 67% shooting from the field. She was a key facilitator in the backcourt for the Illini, helping to open up key shots for her teammates when she was covered.

For some, they may point to her six turnovers on the day and say that Jackson has some work to do. But regardless of that, she has a lot of time in front of her when it comes to her collegiate career. If she can give us a performance like this on a random Sunday, who knows what she's going to do two or three years down the line?

3. Maddie Webber scored a season-high in points in her homecoming game

Junior guard Maddie Webber, as we all know, has become one of the most lethal shooters in the nation this season with the Illini. The former Villanova Wildcat has been putting on a show off the bench for Illinois, averaging the fourth-most points for the Ilini at 11.4 points per game.

On Sunday, Webber took her game to another level when she scored a season-high 26 points in her return to her home state of Pennsylvania. In just 27 minutes off the bench, Webber scored the second-most points for the Illini on 63% shooting from long range.

Webber has been something special and a premier long-range threat in the NCAA. If she had enough attempts to be ranked, Webber would be No. 13 in the entire country with her 45.8% shooting percentage from deep.

If the Illini want to keep winning these games, then they're going to need to give Webber her shots. Let her go to work early, feel the rhythm, and see if she can extend the floor for the rest of her teammates.