Penn State had won three straight games against AP top-15 opponents dating back to last year’s upset over then No. 11 Wisconsin.
That streak came to a screeching halt on Wednesday night, though, as Penn State was dominated in a 91-52 loss at No. 13 Illinois.
PSU grabbed an early 11-5 lead at the 14:29 mark of the opening half, but it was an orange avalanche after that point, as the Fighting Illini outscored the Nittany Lions 86-41 the rest of the way. Ben Humrichous led three 20-point scorers for Illinois with 21 points on 5-of-9 shooting from 3.
The bright spot for Penn State was Zach Hicks scoring his 1,000th point on his first 3 of the game, but that was quickly dimmed as Ace Baldwin Jr. had to exit the game at the 4:42 mark of the first half with a back injury. Baldwin would not return.
Here is the reaction on X (formerly Twitter) from PSU fans, college basketball analysts and more:
Final.#WeAre pic.twitter.com/kqYe8AVNn1
— Penn State Men’s Basketball (@PennStateMBB) January 9, 2025
One of the worst performances I’ve watched in a while. The offense is horrid without Ace creating everything. Back to back games extended runs put this team away, and I thought defense was supposed to be their back bone.
— scoot (@trey_feathers4) January 9, 2025
— Merczye (@Merczye) January 9, 2025
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.All Rhoades lead to pain.
Ouch
— NCNittany (@NittanyNC) January 9, 2025
2 more games against top 16 teams. We gotta take 1. If not, call it a season. The way we looked the last 2 games, especially tonight, we’re not winning either.
— Don Benner (@don_benner) January 9, 2025
I hate group texts!
Just got one as an invite to go some bar on the Upper East Side tomorrow night to watch the Notre Dame-Penn State game.
I had to tell these people that Penn State got blown out tonight at Illinois and doesn’t play tomorrow.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 9, 2025
Would make sense if Baldwin has been “battling back issues” for some time.
He has not looked like himself since the Purdue game, and Penn State goes as he does. https://t.co/21gJ2GCgaJ
— PSU Hoops (@returntorec) January 9, 2025
Illinois THUMPS Penn State tonight 91-52. This is WITHOUT Kasparas Jakucionis too.
This Illinois team is tough.
— College Basketball Wire (@CBBWire) January 9, 2025
Illinois wipes out Penn State men’s basketball, 91-52.
Ace Baldwin Jr. exited early with a back injury and did not return.
This team can only go as far as Baldwin can take them. Hopefully this is not a long-term injury.
— Zach Seyko (@zach_seyko) January 9, 2025
