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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Wednesday night’s duel in the State Farm Center looked like it could be a typical 40-minute, hard fought, Big Ten battle… for about nine minutes.
Illinois stomped Penn State 91-52, the win is the fifth in a row for Underwood’s team and snaps a four-game skid against the Nittany Lions. The Illinois victory came without leading scorer Kasparas Jakucionis, he missed the game due to a forearm injury.
The visitors held an 11-5 lead in the first six minutes of the game, but it was all Illini from there. Illinois graduate senior Ben Humrichous was able to heat up from beyond the arc. He scored 19 points in the first half, including five three-pointers.
Illinois led 45-21 at halftime and never let the Nittany Lions within striking distance after the break.
Freshman big man Morez Johnson also saw a nice night, he scored a career high 20 while grabbing 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the year. Humrichous finished with 21 points to lead the team.
Illinois improves to 12-3 overall and 4-1 in conference play with the win.
The Illini stay home to take on USC on Saturday, Jan. 11.