INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time, coming at perhaps the most critical juncture of their season, the fifth-seeded Lady Lions have won a Big Ten game away from the Bryce Jordan Center.

But the scene last night, after their 61-49 win over fourth-seeded Illinois in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament was much the same as it would've been following a victory in State College. They lined up on Conseco Fieldhouse's court, sang the Penn State alma mater and ran to the locker room, as shouts of "Yeah, State!" ricocheted off the cement walls.

"Weee juuuuust woonnnnnn," sang senor forward Charity Renfro, putting on a show for reporters in the locker room. "You like those vocals?"

Truly, it was a sign of the times. March Madness is here.

The Lady Lions were good, especially during their 14-2 run to start the game, but Illinois (18-11, 8-9 Big Ten) managed to hang close. Penn State, which held the lead all game, was led by Brown, who had 19 points and 18 rebounds. Her mark was a single-game tournament record for rebounds.

"I think it's just a senior thing," Brown said. "You have that sense of urgency, especially towards the end of the season. You know this is it for you and you just want to do the best you can and carry your team as far as you can."

With the win, Penn State (15-15, 8-9) put itself into position that looked unthinkable at times this season. For at least another 48 hours, the Penn State women's basketball can entertain the idea of the post-season.

The Lady Lions, who will face top-seeded Ohio State on Sunday night, can still earn an NCAA Tournament berth. They have been swept by the Buckeyes in both meetings this season.

At least, the chances of Penn State's entry into the WNIT Tournament have improved a bit with last night's victory. Penn State was 0-8 on the road in conference play, but win No. 1 couldn't have come at a more opportune time.

"Nobody remembers what you've done the past three or four months," junior guard Kam Gissendanner said. "Everybody remembers what you do in March. We are just so focused on March. Whether were doing it home or away, we just have to play our game."

In addition to Brown, sophomore point guard Brianne O'Rourke added 13 points, six assists and no turnovers. Gissendanner also had 13, nine of which were three-pointers, and freshman guard Tyra Grant added 11.

Illinois produced no players with doubles figures in scoring, shooting 33.3 percent from the field. Junior guard Rebecca Harris led with eight points.

"We're very happy, very thrilled for our players, very happy that the game turned out like it did," Penn State head coach Rene Portland said. "It keeps us going in the direction that we want to keep going."

And last night, the Lady Lions let the madness of March guide them.