LINCOLN, Neb. — In an exciting matchup on Thursday night, Brice Williams made his mark by scoring eight points in overtime, ending the game with a total of 27 points as Nebraska triumphed over No. 18 Illinois with an 80-74 victory. This win marked the end of a six-game losing streak for the Huskers (13-8, 3-7 Big Ten), and it was particularly notable as they managed to defeat a third ranked opponent this season, a feat not achieved since the 2013-14 season.
The Huskers maintained the lead throughout the game, never falling behind, which contributed to the Illini’s (14-7, 6-5) first loss in ten meetings with Nebraska. It was also their first defeat in four visits to Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Alongside Williams, Connor Essegian contributed 14 points off the bench, while Juwan Gary added 13 points for Nebraska. For Illinois, Kasparas Jakucionis was the standout scorer with 18 points, while Wes Riley knocked down four 3-pointers to finish with 16 points. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn also made an impact with 15 points.
In the overtime period, Williams made a remarkable series of plays, scoring three consecutive baskets and sinking two free throws, which stretched Nebraska’s lead to eight points. His key shot from the wing broke a 72-72 tie and showcased his ability to step up in crucial moments.
Looking at some key takeaways from the game, Illinois was without their 7-foot-1 center Tomislav Ivisic, who missed his third consecutive game due to mononucleosis. This absence has been felt especially as the Illini have experienced a slide, losing four of their last six matchups.
On the flip side, Nebraska appeared to have returned to their defensive roots, stifling Illinois’ shooting to just 28% in the first half and allowing 35.6% for the entire game. This solid defensive effort was crucial for the Huskers as they displayed grit and determination.
A significant moment came when Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn tied the game at 72 with a three-pointer just 47.2 seconds before regulation ended. Despite coming into the game with a 29% shooting average from the three-point range, his shot shifted the momentum temporarily.
A crucial statistic from the game highlighted Nebraska’s efficiency; they committed only six turnovers, matching their season low, and capitalized on Illinois’ 17 turnovers by scoring 17 points off them, showcasing their disciplined play.
Looking ahead, Illinois will host Ohio State on Sunday, while Nebraska is set to take on No. 16 Oregon on the same day. It’s a pivotal time for both teams as they continue to navigate their seasons in the highly competitive Big Ten conference.
