No. 13 Illini finally have Penn State’s number, 91-52

By Jeff Mayfield

[January 09, 2025] 
Champaign-Urbana- Finally. I don’t know how or why but Illinois has really struggled with Penn State the last 8-10 years. We just couldn’t beat them. They have not only beaten the Illini they have owned Illinois.

On top of all that we were told before the opening tip that Illini freshman superstar Kasparas Jakucionis had injured his forearm and wasn’t going to play! Are you kidding me? Why does something like this happen every time we play the Nittany Lions? I was going to call for an investigation.

But just as I was getting all juiced up to take no prisoners, a beautiful thing happened right before our eyes. The Illini appeared fed up with Penn State’s run of success against them. From the tip, the Illini were the aggressors, and they showed resolve and a fiery intensity where they were never going to back down. Also, conventional wisdom says that when someone on your team is injured, somebody else has to step up. Ben volunteered for that role!

In fact, they rode some hot Ben Humrichous shooting, including five 3-pointers, to a 45-21 halftime advantage and sent the customers home early with a 91-52 victory. The Illini shot 44% from the field, made 10 3-pointers, and made a sizzling 13 of 16 from the free throw line. Illinois held an incredible advantage on the boards, 57-32! Our three stars for the night are:

#1 Ben Humrichous

Ben was enfuego. Besides that, he was on fire! Coach Underwood said this guy can shoot. Tonight, he showed Illini nation that he can. He buried five first half threes some form another time zone and it was almost game, set and match at halftime. He finished just short of a double double with 21 points and 9 rebounds.

#2 Morez Johnson, Jr.

Morez had his first double double and his movement from the high post to the low block was so fast, quick and smooth that the Nittany Lions couldn’t even find him! Johnson completed his mission with 20 points on an efficient 9 of 11 shooting night. He also attacked the boards finishing with 11 rebounds and 1 block.

#3 Tre White

Tre White was his usual consistent self. Always all around the ball. He was money on his shots, played great defense, and just showed great team leadership. He tallied 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal.

Honorable Mention

This team is greater than the sum of its parts. Will Riley, Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and Kylan Boswell all will receive honorable mentions for their contributions in this contest. They helped Illinois keep their proverbial foot on the gas and never let Penn State get back into the game.

With this win, Illinois is now 4-1 in the league and 12-3 overall. The Illini will welcome Big 10 newcomer, the University of Southern California, to the State Farm Center for a Saturday morning 11am tip.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

Respond to the writer at [e-mail].