No. 14 Penn worried sick with TJ Power iffy to play against Illinois

Field Level Media|published: Wed 18th March, 16:32 2026

NCAA Basketball: Pennsylvania at Rutgers

Dec 20, 2025; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Penn Quakers forward TJ Power (12) looks to pass during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

No. 14 Penn faces a taller hill to climb Thursday if Ivy League tournament hero T.J. Power is not available.

That was the case Wednesday when Power missed the team workout ahead of the first-round NCAA Tournament matchup with Illinois. Head coach Fran McCaffrey said Power is sick, clouding his status for Thursday evening.

Power, a former five-star recruit with stops at Duke and Virginia, scored 44 points -- he hit seven 3-pointers -- with 14 rebounds for the Quakers in the Ivy League tournament title game upset of Yale.

He's stepping up with Ethan Roberts ruled out due to a concussion. Roberts led Penn in scoring this season at 16.9 points per game and is expected to move on as a graduate transfer.

Power averages 16.8 points and leads the Quakers in rebounding (7.9) and 3-point baskets (77).

--Field Level Media

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