CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Da’Monte Williams made four 3-pointers on his way to a season-high 14 points, helping No. 20 Illinois hold off Penn State, 60-55, on Thursday night.
The victory keeps the Illini (21-8, 14-5 Big Ten) in contention for a share of the conference title if they beat Iowa and Wisconsin loses to the Nebraska on Sunday. The Badgers have already clinched at least a share of the Big Ten title and could win it outright by beating the Cornhuskers.
Jalen Pickett had 18 points, seven assists and five rebounds to lead Penn State (12-15, 7-12).
Williams scored the Illini’s final eight points of the first half, knocking down two 3s and a pair of free throws. He finished the game 4 of 11 from 3-point range, and Kofi Cockburn scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds. Trent Frazier added 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting.
Illinois led for much of the first half but didn’t hit a shot during the last 4 minutes, 24 seconds of the first half — while Penn State hit four of its final five shots of the period to take a 30-29 lead into the break.
Illinois took a 46-41 lead after Andre Curbelo found Cockburn open for a dunk off an inbounds pass, then Frazier stole the ball from Sam Sessoms and sprung Jacob Grandison for a layup with 9:21 left.
Penn State hit its next four shots, including back-to-back scores from John Harrar, to tie the score at 49. A 3-pointer from Dallion Johnson briefly lifted Penn State into the lead before Grandison hit a corner 3 at the 4:34 mark that put Illinois ahead for good.
The Nittany Lions missed 10 of their last 11 shots, including a 3 from Myles Dread that would’ve tied it at 55 with 41 seconds to go. Illinois made five of six free throws in the final minute to close out the win.
