Illinois Fighting Illini vs Penn State Lady Lions Picks and Predictions January 8th 2025

Penn State looking to contain Tre White, No. 13 Illinois

As the Illinois Fighting Illini gear up for their Big Ten showdown against the Penn State Nittany Lions, the spotlight falls on Illinois junior forward Tre White. A player initially overshadowed in the team’s star-studded recruitment class, White has risen to become a key contributor, elevating Illinois’ aspirations for the 2024-25 season.

Meanwhile, Penn State, ranked in the Top 40 of KenPom and the Top 50 in NET, will look to reignite its competitive edge after a tough loss to Indiana. Wednesday’s game in Champaign, Ill., promises to be a battle of grit and execution as both teams seek to solidify their standings in the Big Ten.

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Tre White: Illinois’ Quiet Hero

Tre White, a 6-foot-7 junior transfer from Louisville, wasn’t one of the marquee names in Illinois’ recruitment haul, which included five-star freshman Will Riley, international phenom Kasparas Jakucionis, and hometown hero Kylan Boswell. However, White has proven indispensable, outshining expectations and thriving in a more significant role.

White’s metrics tell the story of his growth. In Illinois’ first eight games, he averaged a modest 7.1 points in 17.4 minutes per game with just 14 trips to the free-throw line. Over the last six games, he has exploded, delivering 15.5 points in 27.5 minutes per game and more than doubling his free-throw attempts to 32.

Last week’s Pacific Northwest road sweep of Oregon and Washington exemplified White’s value. He led Illinois with 37 points and 18 rebounds across the two games, capped by a game-saving defensive play against Washington, diving for a loose ball to secure a jump ball that sealed the victory.

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood is thrilled with White’s progress.

“Tre’s really good. He’s learning to compete to win, not just play hard. Those are different. And I’m really proud of him. He has been exceptional,” Underwood said.

White’s ability to drive to the basket, defend top players, and make high-pressure plays makes him a cornerstone of Illinois’ current success and future ambitions.

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Illinois: Riding Momentum

With an 11-3 record (3-1 Big Ten), Illinois has proven its depth and resilience this season. In addition to White, the team boasts a blend of young talent and veteran leadership that has allowed it to adapt to challenges. Their balanced attack on offense and disciplined defense make them formidable contenders.

Underwood’s emphasis on competitiveness has resonated throughout the roster, creating a culture where every player understands their role and value. Maintaining this mindset will be crucial against a hungry Penn State team eager to bounce back.

Penn State’s Quest for Urgency

The Nittany Lions (12-3, 2-2 Big Ten) enter the game looking to rebound from a 77-71 loss to Indiana. Despite trailing by as many as 16 points, Penn State showed its trademark resilience, cutting the deficit to two in the final minutes. However, head coach Mike Rhoades believes the team needs to start games with the same urgency that it shows in comebacks.

“When we trust what we do and have this urgency, we’re a downhill team,” Rhoades said. “We have multiple guys that can make plays for themselves and each other.”

Penn State’s Key Players

1. Ace Baldwin Jr.
   Baldwin has been the heart of Penn State’s offense and defense. The junior ranks fourth nationally in assists (8.4 per game) and fifth in free-throw shooting (94.5%). His 2.1 steals per game further highlight his two-way impact. Baldwin’s leadership and playmaking will be vital against Illinois’ defensive pressure.
2. Zach Hicks
   Penn State’s sharpest shooter, Hicks, has been in a shooting slump, connecting on just 25.9% of his three-point attempts over the last five games. Unlocking his scoring potential could be the X-factor for Penn State’s offense.“We’ve got to find a way to loosen him up more,” Rhoades noted. “He’s got to keep hunting shots, and we’ve got to find him.”

The Matchup: A Clash of Competitiveness

Both teams thrive on their ability to compete relentlessly. For Illinois, this has been embodied by Tre White, whose energy and versatility have been game-changers. For Penn State, their resilience has been their hallmark, with players like Baldwin driving their success.

The game will likely be decided by which team can impose its style of play. Illinois will aim to leverage White’s hot streak and their balanced attack, while Penn State will need to reignite Hicks’ shooting and maintain their defensive intensity to keep the Fighting Illini at bay.

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Predictions and Takeaways

The showdown in Champaign promises to be an intense affair. If Tre White continues his upward trajectory, Illinois could exploit their home-court advantage and extend their winning streak. On the other hand, if Penn State can combine Baldwin’s playmaking with improved shooting from Hicks, they have the tools to pull off an upset.

Conclusion

With both teams bringing competitive energy and unique strengths to the table, this Big Ten clash is shaping up to be a must-watch for college basketball fans. Tre White’s rise, Penn State’s resilience, and the coaches’ emphasis on execution set the stage for an exciting contest that could have significant implications for the conference standings.