Penn State completed one of its biggest upsets of the season Wednesday night, coming back from a late double-digit deficit to beat No. 12 Illinois 90–89 in the final seconds at Rec Hall.
The Nittany Lions trailed most of the matchup, and they were down by 10 points with 2:30 remaining. From there, Penn State went on a 13–2 run to complete the upset.
With 30 seconds remaining, Penn State forward Puff Johnson helped force a turnover and rolled in a layup to close the deficit to two points.
PENN STATE MAKES IT A 2-POINT GAME WITH JUST UNDER 30 SECONDS TO PLAY!@PennStateMBB x @B1GMBBall pic.twitter.com/L8ajIr74xW
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 22, 2024
Then, disaster struck for Illinois.
With 18 seconds left, senior forward Coleman Hawkins missed two free-throw attempts and then fouled Penn State’s Zach Hicks on a three-point shot on the ensuing possession with three seconds left.
Hicks made all three attempts and secured the upset for the Nittany Lions.
The second that the game clock expired, the Penn State fans stormed the court. The crowd was electric as they danced on the court.
FOULED ON A 3. TO THE LINE. DRAIN ALL 3.
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 22, 2024
PENN STATE COMPLETES THE COMEBACK FOR THE W! pic.twitter.com/lVTaXvUnHN
Wednesday marked Penn State’s second straight game without leading scorer Kanye Clary, who is no longer with the program due to a “coaching decision” announced by coach Mike Rhoades on Monday.
The Nittany Lions return to the court Saturday to host Indiana.
