After a two-game road trip, Nebraska returns to Pinnacle Bank Arena Tuesday evening, as the Huskers host No. 25/24 (AP/Coaches) Illinois. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.
The Huskers (6-10, 0-5 Big Ten) look to bounce back from a disappointing 93-65 loss at Rutgers on Saturday afternoon. Nebraska shot nearly 50 percent from the field, but Rutgers shot 58.3 percent from the floor, including 10-of-18 from the 3-point line, to break the game open. The Scarlet Knights took advantage of 14 Husker turnovers and turned them into 25 points.
lllinois (11-3, 4-0 Big Ten) has won nine of its last 10 games following a 76-64 win over Maryland on Thursday night. All-American Kofi Cockburn had 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting and 18 rebounds, as Illinois shot 52 percent in the second half to overcome a 34-30 halftime deficit. Trent Frazier and Alfonso Plummer added 16 and 12 points, respectively for the Illini. During Illinois’ four-game win streak, Cockburn is averaging 24.5 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.
Tuesday’s game starts a three-game stretch over the next seven days as NU travels to No. 3 Purdue on Friday before hosting Indiana in a special MLK Day matchup.
Illinois leads the all-time series, 18-8, over Nebraska in a series that dates back to 1921. Nebraska is 6-11 against Illinois since joining the Big Ten, and the Illini have won four straight meetings.
Tuesday’s game will be broadcast on KBBN 95.3 FM with coverage on the Huskers Radio Network beginning at 6:30 p.m.
