Illinois Upset By Penn State In Big 10 Tourney

Terrence Shannon Jr. scored a team-high 19 points and shot 50% from the field in the defeat. Shannon also tallied five rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

Coleman Hawkins finished with 17 points, his highest scoring outing since Feb. 11. Hawkins grabbed five rebounds, dished out four assists, made two blocks, and grabbed one steal.

Dain Dainja recorded his 11th double-digit scoring performance of the season, registering 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Luke Goode notched eight points off the bench, and he knocked down two 3-pointers, his second consecutive game with two triples.

The Illini grabbed 11 offensive rebounds and capitalized off those boards with 19 second-chance points, while they made 15 assists, their second-highest total in conference play this season.

Illinois now prepares for the NCAA Tournament, with the team's region and seeding set to be announced on Sunday evening.

QUOTES

Brad Underwood:

"My hat's off to Penn State. They beat us three times, so we obviously haven't figured out what the sauce is to beat them. It's frustrating when you shoot 57% in the second half and lose.

"I thought we had a little different approach trying to get the ball in the paint. Dain and Coleman, I thought, were electric. Dain missed a few early, but trying to take advantage of that.

"When you can keep possession of the ball for 12, 13 seconds, 10 seconds, and just keep backing up and you have no recourse in how you guard it because you can't touch them, it becomes very challenging.

"Obviously, Micah is an unbelievable coach. He's done a great job. Wish him luck in the NCAA Tournament."

On the keys to making an NCAA Tournament run:

"It's finding a little bit of consistency. I think it's finding a little bit of positive momentum. It's creating an energy and young guys that keep growing.

"I'm excited. This team can go as long and as far as they want to be. We've proven that. I thought we played pretty hard tonight.

"Again, give Penn State credit. It was more them than I think it was us. You have those nights. We start getting a little balance with Dain. I thought he was terrific tonight. If we start getting with Coleman and Terrence and get Matt going, and we've got pretty good shots with Luke and RJ, I think we're in pretty good shape."

On his leadership role and preparing the younger players for one-and-done tournaments:

"Just get this game out of their head. Get back in the gym, take the days off that we have, use that and watch film, see how we can get better. Just get prepared for March.

"The lights will be brighter, and if we lock in and play defense the way I know we can, we'll be fine." 

TEAM NOTES

Illinois moves to 20-12 on the season heading into selection Sunday.The Illini are now 3-1 all-time vs. Penn State in Big Ten Tournament matchups.

Illinois misses the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal round for only the sixth time in program history.Thursday's game marked Illinois first as a No. 7 seed in the Big Ten Tournament.

Illinois is now 2-1 all-time when facing a No. 10 seed in the Big Ten Tournament.

Illinois added four blocks vs. Penn State, bringing the team's school-record season total to 181.

Illinois outscored Penn State in points off turnovers (12-9), points in the paint (42-36), second chance points (19-11), fast break points (7-3) and bench points (16-12) on Thursday.

It marks Illinois' first game this season against a Big Ten opponent with an advantage in all five categories, and the team's first loss on the year in three in such games after previously posting wins over Kansas City, Monmouth, and Lindenwood. 

The Illini committed just seven turnovers vs. Penn State, the team's fifth game this season with fewer than 10. 

PLAYER NOTES

Terrence Shannon Jr. scored a team-leading 19 points and added five rebounds.

Shannon Jr has led the Illini in scoring in a team-high 13 games this season.

Shannon Jr. has scored 10+ points in nine straight games and 26 of 32 overall.

Shannon Jr. has scored 10+ with at least 5 rebounds 13 times this season.

Coleman Hawkins posted 17 points, five rebounds and two blocks.

Hawkins has scored in double-figures 15 times this season, and 22 times overall in his Illini career.

Hawkins has scored 10+ with at least 5 rebounds 13 times this season.

Hawkins has recorded 10 games this season with multiple blocks

Dain Dainja tallied 13 points and seven rebounds.

Dainja has scored 10+ points 12 times this season.

Dainja has scored 10+ with at least 5 rebounds eight times this season.

Matthew Mayer pulled down a team-leading eight rebounds

Mayer has led the team in rebounding in eight games this season, including each of the last three contests

Jayden Epps saw his first game action since Feb. 26 vs. Ohio State, playing two minutes and scoring three points off the bench after a two-game h