LINCOLN, Neb. - True-freshman Keaton Wagler for Illinois scored 28 points while leading the Fighting Illini towards their 11th straight win while defeating No. 5 Nebraska 78-69. A rematch for the ages, after Nebraska won their previous match-up on December 13th with a buzzer-beater from Jamarques Lawrence.
Nebraska Looking for Answers
Nebraska faces a two-game losing streak, closing out losses to conference competition such as Michigan and Illinois. Despite these shortcomings, the Corn huskers initially won their first 20 games against teams such as Michigan State and Illinois, both currently ranked in the Top 10.
The Huskers notably struggled in the second half, being held to only four field goals in the first 13 minutes of the half. Nebraska also couldn’t grab boards, as they grabbed almost half of the rebounds that Illinois had. The Huskers also could accurately score, as their top 3 leading scorers would have a combined shooting percentage of 13-33.
Head Coach of Nebraska, Fred Hoiberg, had plenty to say to the media after the loss, stating, “Our offensive freedom of movement has got to be enforced. I thought Pryce Sandfort’s movement was aesthetically pleasing, but when you’re being held, you can’t run it.” He also commented on the Big Ten’s rising power as a basketball conference, saying, “When you look at Michigan and their talent, Michigan State, Purdue, and Illinois are as high as anybody right now. Wisconsin’s on fire, Iowa’s playing great, I mean there’s lots of teams playing really good basketball right now.” He continues, “So yes, I think the league is in a really good place, top to bottom. You have to be ready to go once you step onto the floor.”
Illinois ranked No. 5; Nebraska fell to No. 9.
Despite stumbling to start the season, such as losses to Alabama, UConn, and Nebraska, the Fighting Illini continue their 11-game winning streak. This team is extremely unique, as not any singular player dominates the stat sheet. Keaton Wagler is riding the hot hand, averaging 38 minutes with dominant performances such as 46 points against a previously No. 4 ranked Purdue team.
It’s not only Illinois' second top-5 road win this season but also their second top-5 win in the past 8 days. Compared to Nebraska, whose only ranked match-up remaining this season is No. 12 Purdue, Illinois runs into two extremely talented teams. These being No. 10 Michigan State in East Lansing, followed by a February 27th game against No. 2 Michigan. If Illinois hopes to hold a top seed in March Madness, they have to lose minimal games from this point forward, especially against other ranked teams.
Illinois’ Head Coach Brad Underwood emphasized his team’s emphasis on defense, saying, “Everyone talks about chemistry on the offensive side, and that’s easy. When we’re in a cellphone world and guys don’t communicate, they just stare at their phones, getting guys to talk. We have a saying, ‘Quiet teams lose,’ just from the communication. I can’t wait to see the film and see if we blew any switches tonight, when we blew 30-something in the first game.” He said to the media.
Up-Next
Illinois certainly has a target on their back going into conference play, looking like a standout March Madness team. Their next game is Wednesday against Northwestern, then on Saturday against No. 10 Michigan State.
Just like Illinois, Nebraska should certainly also make March Madness. Despite these past losses, Nebraska faces Rutgers this Saturday in Piscataway. Then, they’ll face No. 12 Purdue next Tuesday.
