PSU ML Over Illinois: College Basketball Feb. 17, 2009 Against the Spread

ryan johFeb 17, 2009

The Nittany Lions (18-8) (7-6) have thrived in the role of the underdog this season. Picked to finish at the bottom of the Big Ten by many preseason polls, Penn State has emerged as one of the bigger surprises in college basketball.

The Nittany Lions are lead by their do-everything guard Talor Battle. Battle is averaging 18 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists. Battle is coming off a 21-point scoring burst in a win at home over a very talented Minnesota team.

Talor Battle’s highest scoring game of the year came two weeks ago at Michigan State, where Penn State pulled the mega upset over the superior-talented Spartans.

Penn State is 4-4 on the road this year and have proved they can win anywhere they play.

Illinois (21-5) (9-4) is 14-1 at home. They come into the game after beating two of the worst teams in the big ten on the road—Northwestern and Indiana.

Illinois is lead by Demetri McCamey, a talented guard who has done everything to keep Illinois winning this season, averaging 12 points and 5 assists.

Penn State and Illinois have not played each other this year, and my hunch is that Illinois comes into this game a little over-confident. Penn State hits you in the mouth right at tip off, and if a team isn’t prepared, they could knock you out.

I watched the upset over Michigan State and Penn State shot the ball with a lot of confidence from beyond the arc and really trusted each other on the floor. The Nittany Lions have a lot of confidence in each other and it really shows.

Penn State bands together and puts everything on the line in big games. They really get motivated for these kinds of games and may have a superior intensity level to the Illini.

I believe Talor Battle will be the best player on the floor Wednesday night, and Penn State lives up to their reputation as a giant killer.