LINCOLN, NE (Chambana Today) – Nebraska (13-8, 3-7) defeated #18 Illinois (14-7, 6-5) 80-74 in overtime, snapping the Illini’s nine-game win streak over the Huskers. The loss also broke Illinois’ three-game win streak at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
The Illini out-rebounded Nebraska 58-42, marking their second-most rebounds in a game this season. Illinois grabbed 20 offensive boards, earning 15 second-chance points and pulling down 50+ rebounds for the second straight game.
Will Riley led Illinois with 16 points and four rebounds, including four 3-pointers, marking his eighth game of the season with multiple makes from beyond the arc. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn contributed 15 points, hitting a clutch 3-pointer to force overtime, while Tre White posted 13 rebounds and eight points. Kasparas Jakucionis registered a double-double with 18 points and a career-high 13 rebounds, leading the team in both categories.
The game marked a tough setback for Illinois, who will need to regroup as they move forward in Big Ten play.