After rattling off 10 straight wins, Illinois walked into Lincoln on Sunday facing one of its toughest tests yet-and responded with a statement. Nebraska, a team firmly in the hunt for a No. 1 seed in March, had already taken down the Illini once this season. This time, Illinois flipped the script.
Down six at halftime and facing a Cornhuskers squad that had been nearly unbeatable at home, the Illini turned up the pressure in the second half and walked out with a 78-69 win that was as gritty as it was impressive. Let’s break down five key takeaways from Illinois’ road win-and why this one matters more than just a notch in the win column.
1. Keaton Wagler’s Second Half Was Special
Keaton Wagler didn’t look like himself in the first half. Nebraska’s defense keyed in on the freshman star, forcing the ball out of his hands and holding him to just 2-of-9 shooting. He had five points, three assists, and two rebounds at the break-but the rhythm just wasn’t there.
Then came the second half.
Wagler responded the way elite players do: by taking over. He poured in 23 points after halftime, hitting 5-of-6 from the field and knocking down three of his four three-point attempts.
It wasn’t just the scoring-he made smart reads, created space for teammates, and dictated the pace of the game. When Illinois needed a spark, Wagler delivered a flamethrower.
That second-half performance wasn’t just a bounce-back-it was a reminder that this kid is built for big moments.
2. Illinois Played Big-Literally
Illinois finally leaned into its size advantage, and it paid off in a big way. With a frontcourt featuring David Mirkovic (6'9"), Tomislav Ivisic (7'1"), and Zvonimir Ivisic (7'2"), the Illini had the tools to dominate the glass-and they used them.
The trio combined for 23 rebounds, and Illinois out-rebounded Nebraska 40-27 overall. More importantly, they pulled down 11 offensive boards, creating second-chance opportunities that helped swing the momentum. Nebraska managed just six offensive rebounds by comparison.
This wasn’t just about effort-it was about strategy. Illinois recognized the mismatch and committed to winning the battle inside. If they can replicate that physicality and rebounding edge against top-tier competition, they’ll be a tough out deep into March.
3. Nebraska Stayed Hot From Deep-but Illinois Adjusted
One of the biggest questions heading into this game: Would Nebraska cool off from beyond the arc?
The answer? Not really.
The Cornhuskers stayed hot, hitting 15-of-35 from three-point range (43%). That kind of shooting usually wins you games, especially at home. But Illinois didn’t panic-they adapted.
While Nebraska was dangerous from deep, the Illini locked things down inside the arc. Nebraska shot just 10-of-24 (41.7%) on two-pointers.
Illinois protected the paint, closed off driving lanes, and forced the Cornhuskers to settle for jumpers. Against a team that thrives on perimeter shooting, Illinois didn’t let the threes rattle them-they simply made sure nothing else came easy.
4. Illinois Earned Their Trips to the Line
The box score shows Illinois shot 26 free throws to Nebraska’s 10. But this wasn’t about officiating-it was about approach.
Illinois attacked the basket. They used their size, drove downhill, and forced Nebraska’s smaller defenders to make tough decisions. Whether it was Wagler slashing to the rim or Mirkovic establishing position down low, the Illini played with purpose in the paint.
That aggression paid off. Illinois went 21-of-26 (81%) from the line, capitalizing on nearly every opportunity.
Nebraska, meanwhile, settled for jump shots and didn’t get to the stripe nearly enough. In a tight, physical game, that free throw margin was a difference-maker.
5. Jake Davis Flipped the Script
Jake Davis didn’t have the start he wanted. He missed two of his first three free throws, was 0-of-1 from the field, and struggled defensively early on. But here’s the thing-he didn’t fold.
Instead, Davis turned things around in a big way. He finished with 13 points, second-most on the team, and hit three big three-pointers. He also added three rebounds and played a key role in spacing the floor during Illinois’ second-half surge.
In his two games since joining the program, Davis has logged 30 minutes in each-and Illinois is 2-0, both wins coming on the road against top-five opponents. That’s not a coincidence. Davis has quickly become a vital piece of Illinois’ rotation, and his ability to bounce back mid-game is exactly the kind of mental toughness coaches love to see.
Bottom Line
This wasn’t just another win for Illinois-it was a statement. They went into a hostile environment, took a punch in the first half, and responded with poise, physicality, and star power. Keaton Wagler’s second half was a turning point, but it was the collective effort-on the boards, in the paint, at the line-that sealed it.
Illinois is now riding an 11-game win streak and showing the kind of balance and resilience that makes them dangerous come tournament time. If they keep bringing this level of play, don’t be surprised if they’re still dancing deep into April.