Penn State's men's basketball (20-12, 10-10) will look for a second win over the Northwestern Wildcats (21-10, 12-8) in just over a week on Friday evening when they take on the Big Ten's No.2 seed at 6:30 p.m. in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals.

The Nittany Lions are coming off a 79-76 win over Illinois on Thursday night, their third win of the season over the Illini this season. The victory also all but guarantees the Nittany Lions will be making their first NCAA Tournament since 2011 when the bracket is announced on Sunday.

While Micah Shrewsberry's program does have that to look forward to, they will be focused on the task ahead of them on Thursday in Northwestern.

The Wildcats may not be the most explosive team offensively but have a smothering defense that has allowed just 62.3 points per game this season. Chris Collins' program also has a much-needed rest advantage coming into the game, not playing since Sunday when they defeated Rutgers 65-53.

That being said, the Wildcats are entering the tournament with losses in three of their last four games including Penn State's 68-65 win over them in Evanstown last Wednesday in overtime. The Nittany Lions, however, are one of the hottest teams in the country winning six of their last seven games and storming into the NCAA Tournament picture.

Will the extra rest be the difference for the Wildcats or will there be some rest for the Big Ten's No.2 seed? Can the Nittany Lions stay red hot and advance to the Big Ten Semifinals? We'll find out later tonight but before then, here's what you need to know.

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WHEN: 6:30 p.m. EST

WHERE: United Center (Chicago, IL) || 20,917

WATCH: BTN | Fox Sports App

LISTEN: Penn State Sports Network (103.7 FM & 1450 AM) - Steve Jones (play-by-play) & Dick Jerardi (analyst)

Penn State enters Friday night's game as a two-point underdog to Northwestern with the over/under set at 130.5.

Against the spread this season Northwestern is 19-12 including 8-7 as a favorite and 2-0 on neutral courts. Penn State is 17-13-2 against the spread including 8-5 as an underdog and 4-1 on neutral courts.

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PENN STATE || NORTHWESTERN

NET: No. 54 || No. 41

KENPOM: No. 51 || No. 32

ESPN BPI: No. 49 || No. 42

SAGARIN: No. 48 || No. 38

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