When Nebraska visited Illinois on Dec. 13, Jamarques Lawrence swished a game-winning 3-pointer as time expired to offer the Cornhuskers their most prestigious win of the season.
Whereas the reminiscence of that knockout punch nonetheless stings for No. 9 Illinois (18-3, 9-1 Huge Ten) because it visits No. 5 Nebraska (20-1, 9-1) for a Huge Ten first-place showdown Sunday in Lincoln, Neb., the Combating Illini additionally have not forgotten all of the physique blows administered by Pryce Sandfort that set it up.
Sandfort scored 26 of his career-high 32 factors within the first half as Nebraska sped to a 14-point first-half lead. Whereas the Illini caught up by halftime, Sandfort’s early blitz made the Illini uncomfortable all through as they led for simply 16 seconds on their house ground.
And for that, the Illini are grateful.
Since that 83-80 loss to Nebraska, Illinois has gained 10 in a row to climb to No. 7 within the NET rankings.
“I believe that was an eye-opening second,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood mentioned. “I did not suppose we had been very centered on what it took to win. They usually whipped us. … Our psychological errors in that recreation had been very excessive.”
“The Nebraska loss began all of it,” added Illini freshman ahead David Mirkovic, who averages 12.5 factors and a team-high 8.2 rebounds. “We modified our mentality after that. Coach was, I imply, we deserved that he obtained to be mad after that loss. We modified our mentality. We began residing for one another, enjoying tougher protection, speaking extra.
“After we give our greatest and attempt to play as laborious as attainable, factors discover us and we win.”
Illinois boasts the nation’s best offense per KenPom.com with 130.3 factors per 100 possessions.
Freshman guard Keaton Wagler (17.7 factors, 4.2 assists), the reigning Huge Ten and nationwide participant of the week, has acquired the lion’s share of reward not too long ago, however the Illini characteristic 5 gamers in double figures.
“I believe they play to a sure commonplace that they maintain themselves accountable to,” Underwood mentioned. “I respect that. I believe that gamers shopping for into all their roles, and gamers being keen to sacrifice for the nice of the group and decide to that, that is all part of it.”
Underwood may even have been describing the vibe at Nebraska, the place the Huskers have earned their highest Related Press rating in class historical past by discovering a method no matter who’s on the courtroom.
Sure, their 20-0 begin got here to an finish Tuesday at No. 3 Michigan, however the Huskers led for 36:18 regardless of enjoying with out two of their high three scorers in Rienk Mast (flu) and Braden Frager (ankle).
The one distinction between Nebraska’s journeys to Illinois and to Michigan? Lawrence’s last-second 3-point try, which might have tied the sport, went off the rim towards the Wolverines as a substitute of swishing via.
“I give our guys all of the credit score on the earth for the struggle that they confirmed in that recreation from begin to end,” mentioned Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg. “Pay attention, that group is projected by lots of people to win a nationwide championship. You bought no Braden, you bought no Rienk, you bought no Ugie (Ugnius Jarusevicius), you bought no Connor (Essegian) — and also you struggle ’em all the way in which to the end and also you lose by a basket.
“I imply, that exhibits the character of our group. And it additionally exhibits we are able to compete with anyone within the nation… For our guys, it ought to be a confidence-builder.”
Mast (14.6 factors, 6.0 rebounds) ought to be good to go towards Illinois, however Frager (12.2 factors) figures to wish extra time. Illini guard Kylan Boswell (14.3 factors, 3.4 assists) will miss his fourth straight recreation with a damaged proper hand.
–Area Degree Media
