PENNSYLVANIA QUAKERS @ ILL

Penn brings back much of its scoring core

Penn returns four starters and seven of its top nine scorers and was picked as the Ivy League preseason favorite; TJ Power averaged 16.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in 2025-26.

Illinois opened with a barrage from deep

Illinois made 19 three-pointers in its 120-45 season-opening win, with Andrej Stojakovic and Stefan Vaaks scoring 20 apiece; coach Brad Underwood said Andre had not practiced in a week and was gassed.

Illinois has multiple availability questions

Jake Davis left the opener with a shoulder injury, David Mirkovic also missed it, and Lincoln Williams is questionable; Underwood said the shoulder diagnosis was not yet known.

A rematch after a decisive tournament meeting

Illinois beat Penn 105-70 in last season’s NCAA Tournament, extending its all-time series lead to 7-0; Penn will seek a better showing.

Pick Ideas

Angles drawn from the matchup analysis above and refreshed as the news changes. They are a separate read from the LineCrush pick for this matchup, so the two can land on different sides.

Wait for a posted spread

With no listed spread or total, wait for a market number and a clearer availability picture.

Illinois moneyline, price dependent

Illinois is the stronger straight-up lean, but consider the moneyline only at an acceptable price; Underwood said Jason Jakstys will play a lot.

Consider Penn team threes at a modest number

Consider the over only at a modest team-three total; Penn’s reported 38.4% three-point shooting supports it, but pass if the line already prices in that efficiency.