Illinois (4-0) hosts Penn State (2-1) in a Big Ten clash, with both teams seeking momentum after recent wins.

No. 20 Illinois, riding a four-game win streak including an upset of No. 13 Tennessee, faces Penn State in a Big Ten matchup at The Palestra. The Fighting Illini, led by Keaton Wagler’s 15.3 points per game and Jake Davis’s season-high 15 points with five 3-pointers, aim to extend their momentum. Penn State, 0-2 in conference play, snapped a three-game skid with a 90-67 win over North Carolina Central, powered by Kayden Mingo’s 19 points and Eli Rice’s career-high 18, including four 3-pointers. Rice, a transfer from Nebraska, has emerged as a key contributor, while Penn State ranks sixth nationally in fewest turnovers, averaging 9.2 per game.