In a thrilling matchup, Jamarques Lawrence sank a last-second 3-pointer, securing an 83-80 victory for No. 23 Nebraska over No. 13 Illinois. This win marked a significant milestone for the Huskers, who are now 11-0, their best start ever. The previous record from the 1977-78 season is a testament to how far this program has come.
Despite trailing by as much as 14 points early, the Illini rallied back. Tomislav Ivisic’s late 3-pointer tied the game at 80, showing their resilience. However, Lawrence’s clutch shot ultimately sealed the deal. He ended the game with 14 points, while Pryce Sandfort shone brightly, scoring a career-high 32 points. Rienk Mast also made his mark with 17 points and seven rebounds.
Illinois struggled to maintain control, leading for just 16 seconds in the first half. Kylan Boswell led the Illini with 20 points, supported by Andrej Stojakovic and Keaton Wagler, who both added 19 points. Illinois had a strong finish to the first half, going on a 13-point run that tied the game at 37.
This victory is particularly notable for Nebraska—it’s their first win against a ranked opponent since 1991. The Cornhuskers have now notched a record 15 straight wins, dating back to last season’s inaugural College Basketball Crown. Historically, this performance echoes the team’s strong runs in the 1990-91 season when they also won 14 games in a row.
The Illini had previously dominated this matchup at home, winning six straight games against Nebraska. Their all-time record against the Huskers at the State Farm Center now stands at 15-3. As college basketball fans gear up for the rest of the season, Nebraska’s impressive start has certainly caught everyone’s attention, setting the stage for a competitive Big Ten series ahead.
