Illinois Stuns Nebraska in Lincoln, Claims Share of Big Ten Lead Behind Wagler’s Second-Half Surge
LINCOLN, Neb. - Circle this one. Illinois walked into Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday afternoon and handed Nebraska just its second loss of the season, 78-69, in a game that could have major implications down the stretch in the Big Ten title race. And if there was any lingering sting from the Illini’s December loss to the Huskers in Champaign, consider it avenged - emphatically.
With the win, Illinois not only extended its win streak to 11 games but also moved into a tie for first place in the conference standings. And here’s a bit of history to go with it: for the first time ever, Illinois has taken down top-five teams on the road in back-to-back games. That’s not just a stat - that’s a statement.
Head coach Brad Underwood didn’t shy away from praising his group after this one. “I think we’ve got some toughness,” he said.
“I think we’ve got some connectivity... I think our basketball IQ is pretty high.”
That’s not coachspeak - that’s a coach seeing a team that’s figuring out how to win in hostile environments, even when the shots aren’t falling.
Because make no mistake - this wasn’t a lights-out shooting night for the Illini. But what they lacked in shot-making, they made up for in ball movement, defensive grit, and a second-half takeover led by a freshman who’s quickly becoming must-watch basketball.
Wagler Wows Again
Keaton Wagler doesn’t play like a freshman. He doesn’t look rattled, doesn’t rush, doesn’t force. And on Sunday, he didn’t miss much either.
Wagler dropped 28 points, dished five assists, and pulled down five boards in a performance that tilted the game in Illinois’ favor - especially after the break. Twenty-three of those points came in the second half, where he turned the court into his own personal playground.
Whether Nebraska threw man or zone at him, Wagler sliced it up. He got to the rim, hit timely jumpers, and drew contact like a seasoned vet.
“He just settled in in the second half,” Underwood said. “Took what the defense gave him.
When he was open, he seemed to make it. When he wasn’t, he got fouled.
Any time you get fouled 12 times, it’s a pretty good sign.”
That second-half explosion keyed a 45-30 run over the final 20 minutes - a stretch where Illinois seemed to have an answer for every Nebraska push. A 14-5 run early in the half flipped the tone, and a 10-0 burst later on effectively silenced the home crowd. The Huskers never fully recovered.
First Half: Huskers Heat Up from Deep
For a while, it looked like Nebraska was going to ride its hot shooting to another home win. The Huskers hit 11 of their 20 three-point attempts in the first half, with Pryce Sandfort and Braden Frager each knocking down four triples. Their 14-2 run to close the half gave them a 39-33 lead at the break and all the momentum.
But Illinois didn’t flinch. The Illini tightened the screws defensively in the second half, taking away clean looks and forcing Nebraska’s stars into tougher decisions. The defensive intensity ratcheted up, and the offense followed suit.
All Hands on Deck
While Wagler was the headliner, Illinois got meaningful contributions across the board. Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic combined for 17 points and nine rebounds, bringing physicality and presence in the paint. And the Illini’s passing - highlighted by a few jaw-dropping dimes from Tomislav and Mirkovic - kept Nebraska chasing.
One of the game’s signature moments came on a slick sequence: Mirkovic threading a pinpoint pass to a cutting Ivisic, who hammered home a dunk that sent the Illinois bench into a frenzy. It was the kind of play that doesn’t just show up in the box score - it fuels momentum, and Illinois rode that wave all the way to the final buzzer.
What’s Next
Illinois now turns its attention to a rivalry showdown with Northwestern, set for Wednesday night in Champaign. The Wildcats took the last meeting, but this time it’s on Illinois’ turf - and it’ll be an “Orange Out” at State Farm Center.
With the Illini surging and tied atop the Big Ten, every game from here on out carries weight. But if this team keeps defending like this, moving the ball like this, and getting performances like Wagler’s, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone.