CHAMPAIGN — Illinois’ improved defense the last two weeks took a hit Saturday afternoon against Penn State.
The Nittany Lions entered the game shooting 41.5 percent on the season — good for 13th in the Big Ten. Then they proceeded to knock down 57 percent of their shots in an 83-70 victory.
That’s the highest percentage Penn State has shot this season in Big Ten games, topping the 49 percent it shot in defeating Illinois 71-67 on Jan. 28 in State College, Pa.
One of the Illini who maintained an edge on the defensive end, however, was Te’Jon Lucas.