Penn State Basketball: Nittany Lions head on the road to face Illinois

Penn State basketball looks to build a three-game winning streak Sunday

After wins against Iowa and Maryland, the Penn State basketball team has moved up to sixth place in the Big Ten Conference and has a real chance to finish in the top four heading into the conference tournament. Up next the Nittany Lions will head to Illinois for their first road test of February.

Despite some inconsistent play and disappointing losses this season, Penn State is having one of its best years in recent memories. Sitting at 17-9 overall, this year’s team has already racked up the most season wins since the 2014-15 season. The seven conference wins are the most the school has picked up since the 2010-11 season.

The Nittany Lions are led by the sophomore trio of Tony Carr, Mike Watkins and Lamar Stevens. All three players average of 13 points per game. Carr leads with19 points a game, while Watkins has been a force down low, pulling down an average of nine rebounds a game.

Aside from that talented trio, the other two starters — guards Shep Garner and Josh Reaves –both average double-digit points. Reaves has been an x-factor for the Nittany Lions this season and is coming of a nine-rebound, 14-point performance in Wednesday’s win over Maryland.

Illinois has really struggled this season, but it hasn’t been because of the play of forward Leron Black. He leads the team in both points per game (14.3) and rebounds (5.4). He’s coming off a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds his last time out against Wisconsin.

Sunday’s matchup at Illinois presents a chance to keep the recent good vibes going, as the Illini have won just two Big Ten games and come in having lost eight of their last 10 games. On paper, the Nittany Lions are favored, but anything happen in conference play.

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Penn State and Illinois will tip at 7:00 p.m. ET and will be shown live on the Big Ten Network.