Nebraska Men’s Basketball vs. Illinois: A Must-Win Showdown for the Cornhuskers | Hurrdat Sports

Nebraska men’s basketball is set to clash with No. 18 Illinois this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. CT in Lincoln. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, featuring Kevin Kugler and Nick Bahe, and will also be available on the Huskers Radio Network with Kent Pavelka and Jake Muhleisen.

This season, Nebraska has found success at home, boasting an 8-2 record in Pinnacle Bank Arena. They previously tied a program record with 20 consecutive home victories until a loss to Rutgers on January 16. However, the team faces challenges right now, entering the game on a six-game losing streak—their longest since January 2023.

Despite this tough stretch, Nebraska has managed to hold their ground against ranked teams, going 2-2 so far this season. A victory against the Fighting Illini would not only end the losing streak but would also mark their first three wins over ranked teams since the 2013-14 season.

Coach Fred Hoiberg expressed his frustration on Wednesday, saying, “We can turn this thing around, but I’m sick of saying it. There are chances, but we’re running out of them.”

Defensive Stats

Even during the losing streak, Nebraska’s defense remains impressive, ranked 36th in the nation for adjusted defensive efficiency. However, they’ve struggled with defending the three-point shot, allowing opponents to score 47.1% of their points from beyond the arc in recent games.

Currently, Nebraska ranks near the bottom in the nation for three-point defense, allowing 38.3% in conference play. Illinois, on the other hand, scores just 34.6% of their points from three-point range. They sit at 17th in the Big Ten for three-point shooting percentage, both overall and during league play.

About Illinois

Illinois arrives in Lincoln with a record of 14-6 after their recent 83-74 victory over Northwestern. They are performing well statistically, ranked 10th in the NET Rankings and 11th in KenPom.

Led by standout freshman Kasparas Jakucionis, who averages 15.9 points and 5.4 assists per game, Illinois also features Arizona transfer Kylan Boswell scoring 12.4 points and Tre White adding 10.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Tomislav Ivisic, averaging 8.5 rebounds, has missed the last two games due to illness. Overall, Illinois dominates on the boards, leading the nation with a +11.5 rebounding margin.

Keys to the Game

Nebraska needs to break the losing cycle for their morale. A win could boost their confidence significantly. Player Andrew Morgan noted that the team started the season playing with more joy, and they need to rediscover that energy.

Starting strong and maintaining momentum for a full 40 minutes is crucial. Nebraska’s struggles with turnovers, ranking 13th in the Big Ten with 12.4 per game, could be detrimental. They also need to focus on rebounding, especially against an aggressive Illinois team that excels in this area.

The Huskers must stay resilient, even when shots aren’t falling. Illinois boasts one of the nation’s top defenses, so Nebraska has to remain focused and keep their spirits high throughout the game.

Coach Hoiberg acknowledged the challenge, emphasizing the need for a positive mindset. It’s essential for the players to keep fighting, regardless of the circumstances on the court.