Illini Face Penn State in B1G Clash Saturday at The Palestra

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Illini Face Penn State in B1G Clash Saturday at The Palestra

No. 20 Illinois is set to clash with Penn State in a pivotal Big Ten matchup on Saturday, January 6, 2026, at The Palestra in Philadelphia. This historic venue is notable as it marks Illinois’ first appearance there since November 29, 2003. The game will begin at 6 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on BTN.

Series History

This will be the 57th meeting between Illinois and Penn State, dating back to 1942. Illinois currently leads the series, holding a 33-23 advantage overall. In Big Ten play, the Illini hold a 33-21 record against Penn State. The Illini also have a winning record at Penn State, going 13-12.

Recent Performances

Illinois claimed a decisive victory in their last meeting, winning 91-52 at State Farm Center on January 8, 2025. Head coach Brad Underwood has a record of 5-7 against Penn State and has led the Illini to four consecutive victories over the Nittany Lions from 2019-2022. However, Penn State won four straight prior to Illinois’ last win.

Illini Players to Watch

Keaton Wagler (G, Fr.) – Averaging 15.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
Andrej Stojakovic (G, Jr.) – Contributing 14.8 points per game with four 20-point games this season.
Kylan Boswell (G, Sr.) – Leading career scorer for Illinois with 1,129 points, averaging 14.7 points per game.
David Mirkovic (F, Fr.) – Averaging 13.1 points and 8.3 rebounds, known for double-double performances.
Tomislav Ivisic (C, Jr.) – Bringing in 10.5 points and shooting 1.5 three-pointers per game.

Statistics and Rankings

Illinois is currently ranked 10th in the NCAA NET rankings, showcasing strong performance metrics with an overall record of 3-3 in Quad 1 games. The Illini have been averaging an impressive 88.2 points per game this season, making them among the highest-scoring teams in the nation. This scoring ability follows last season’s average of 83.6 points.

Coaching and Strategy Insights

Underwood has led Illinois to be one of the most competitive teams in the Big Ten, with 81 conference wins since 2019. The team ranks highly in several NCAA categories, including free-throw percentage (79.0%) and defensive rebounds (28.5). The Illini’s combination of experienced and young talents positions them as strong contenders in the conference.

Upcoming Challenges

This game against Penn State opens a tough stretch for Illinois, where they will face three of their four Big Ten opponents on the road over the next 12 days. As the Illini prepare for their match at The Palestra, they aim to build momentum in their season and solidify their standing in the national rankings.