Penn State makes easy work of Illinois 83-70

Illinois’ center Maverick Morgan looks to shoot as Penn State’s forward Mike Watkins defends during an NCAA college basketball game in Champaign, Ill., Saturday, Feb 11, 2017. Illinois’ guard Te’Jon Lucas looks to pass under the basket as Penn State’s forward Mike Watkins defends during an NCAA college basketball game in Champaign, Ill., Saturday, Feb 11, 2017.

Illinois Basketball: 3 Observations From the Indiana Loss

Jan 7, 2017; Bloomington, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce gives instructions to his team during a timeout during the second half of the game at Assembly Hall. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini 96 to 80. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports This was a loss that I expected, but much like the Maryland game, it was the way the Illini lost that has me worried.

Blackmon leads No. 25 Indiana to win over Illinois

Illinois’s Tracy Abrams goes to the basket against Indiana’s OG Anunoby during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, in Bloomington, Ind. Illinois’s Mike Thorne Jr. is fouled by Indiana’s De’Ron Davis as he goes up for a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, in Bloomington, Ind.

Illinois Basketball: Jaylon Tate Was Big for the Illini

This wasn’t a big win because the Cougars are good, but this was big because Illinois needs to finish 10-3 in the non-conference to really have a shot at the postseason. Tracy Abrams followed up his 31-point performance against Central Michigan with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists night against the Cougars.