Illinois puts away Penn State

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Illinois expects to have much more important wins the rest of the season, but that's not going to stop the Illini from enjoying every victory that puts them in the record book.

Roger Powell Jr. went 10-for-10 from the field and scored 21 points and Dee Brown added 19 points to lead the top-ranked Illini to their 26th straight win, 83-63 over Penn State on Wednesday night.

Illinois (26-0, 12-0 Big Ten) topped the school record of 25 consecutive wins which was set over three seasons from February 1914 to February 1916. Certainly, this year's streak is more impressive -- it's the fourth best start ever by a Big Ten team.

"Streaks aren't important," Illinois coach Bruce Weber said. "Winning the Big Ten, getting the high seed, advancing March into April is what's important. But at the same time, you've got to feel proud about what you've accomplished."

Brown said the record was nice, but the Illini's ultimate goal is a national title.

"It's excellent, but I like my rings," he said. "I got a ring last year [Big Ten tournament] and it was beautiful."

Penn State (7-17, 1-10) was just another easy victim, falling to 0-10 all-time against top-ranked teams.

Geary Claxton led the Nittany Lions with 19 points. No one else reached double figures.