Following an overtime win at Minnesota on Saturday, the Huskers return to Pinnacle Bank Arena for the first time in 2023 to host Illinois Tuesday evening. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.
Nebraska (9-7, 2-3 Big Ten) comes off an 81-79 win at Minnesota on Jan. 7, marking the Huskers’ first overtime road win in conference play since 2001. Derrick Walker had 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, as Nebraska fought back from a seven-point second-half deficit for a crucial road win. Juwan Gary added a season-high 18 points, including a go-ahead tip-in with 55 seconds left in overtime to give NU the lead for good while Sam Griesel had 17 points, six rebounds and five assists. NU went 8-of-11 from the charity stripe in overtime to seal the win and went 16-of-21 from the line in picking up its second road win of the year.
The Huskers have been tough in Pinnacle Bank Arena, going 6-1 this season with the only loss coming to No. 4 Purdue in overtime on Dec. 10. In the Huskers’ last home game, NU held Iowa to season lows in points (50) and shooting percentage (.260) in a 65-50 Husker victory.
Illinois (10-5, 1-3 Big Ten) comes to Lincoln with a 10-5 mark after knocking off No. 14 Wisconsin, 79-69, on Saturday. The Illini shot 47 percent, including 55 percent in the second half, and put four players in double figures. Terrence Shannon Jr. led all scorers with 24 points and added eight rebounds, while Coleman Hawkins added 20 points, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range.
Tuesday’s game will be broadcast on KBBN 95.3 FM with coverage on the Huskers Radio Network beginning at 7 p.m.
