NEWSLETTER
The Penn State Nittany Lions (19-12, 10-10 Big Ten) will attempt to extend a three-game road win streak when they take on the Illinois Fighting Illini (20-11, 11-9 Big Ten) on March 9, 2023 at United Center.
On Sunday, in its last game, Illinois lost to Purdue 76-71. With 16 points, Matthew Mayer was its leading scorer. Penn State was victorious in its most recent game against Maryland, 65-64, on Sunday. Jalen Pickett led the way with 16 points, and also had seven boards and seven assists.
When is Illinois vs. Penn State and when does it start?
This contest between the Fighting Illini and Nittany Lions is set to start on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Expect to see the opening tip at 6:30 PM ET.
Where to Watch Illinois vs. Penn State
The Fighting Illini and Nittany Lions will hit the court at United Center for this matchup on March 9, and if you would like to catch the game live, get your tickets now from Vivid Seats!
What channel is the game on?
You can catch this game live on BTN.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Game Preview
Illinois Stats, Odds & Insights
Illinois outscores opponents by 8.0 points per game (scoring 74.6 per game to rank 113th in college basketball while allowing 66.6 per outing to rank 76th in college basketball) and has a +249 scoring differential overall.
The Fighting Illini score 6.4 more points than the Nittany Lions give up (68.2).
Illinois knocks down 7.7 three-pointers per game (148th in college basketball) at a 31.0% rate (331st in college basketball), compared to the 6.0 per game its opponents make at a 33.3% rate.
The Fighting Illini post 77.5 points per game when playing at home, compared to 70.0 points per game away from home, a difference of 7.5 points per contest.
Illinois has seen a downturn in scoring lately, racking up 73.5 points per game in its last 10 contests, 1.1 points fewer than the 74.6 it has scored this season.
Penn State Stats, Odds & Insights
Penn State is outscoring opponents by 4.2 points per game, with a +130 scoring differential overall. It puts up 72.4 points per game (167th in college basketball) and allows 68.2 per outing (124th in college basketball).
The Nittany Lions put up 5.8 more points per game (72.4) than the Fighting Illini concede (66.6).
Penn State hits 11.1 three-pointers per game (second-most in college basketball), 3.6 more than its opponents. It shoots 39.4% from deep (sixth-best in college basketball), and its opponents are shooting 34.3%.
At home, the Nittany Lions average 76.8 points per game. Away, they score 68.4.
Over its last 10 games, Penn State is averaging 69.8 points per contest, compared to its season average of 72.4.
Fighting Illini Key Players to Watch
| Name | GP | PTS | REB | ASST | STL | BLK | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrence Shannon Jr. | 29 | 17.1 | 4.7 | 2.9 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 1.7 |
| Matthew Mayer | 31 | 13.0 | 5.4 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 2.2 |
| Jayden Epps | 29 | 10.0 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 1.2 |
| Dain Dainja | 31 | 9.6 | 5.5 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.0 |
| Coleman Hawkins | 31 | 9.6 | 6.4 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.1 |
Nittany Lions Key Players to Watch
| Name | GP | PTS | REB | ASST | STL | BLK | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Pickett | 31 | 18.0 | 7.3 | 7.0 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.4 |
| Seth Lundy | 30 | 14.0 | 6.1 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 2.6 |
| Andrew Funk | 31 | 12.0 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 2.9 |
| Camren Wynter | 31 | 8.7 | 2.7 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 1.1 |
| Myles Dread | 31 | 5.5 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 1.6 |
And for more CBB game previews, NCAA basketball picks or even how to bet on college basketball check out the latest NCAAB lines on Betsperts.
