The Nebraska men’s basketball team, now ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press poll, is gearing up for a significant challenge as they prepare to face No. 13 Illinois on Saturday at the State Farm Center in Champaign. The game, set to tip off at 3 p.m. (central), marks Nebraska’s first encounter with a ranked opponent this season. Fans can catch the game on Peacock and the Huskers Radio Network, with coverage also available via Huskers.com and the official Huskers app.
Nebraska enters the match boasting an impressive 10-0 record, following a decisive 90-60 victory against Wisconsin in their Big Ten opener. The win showcased a balanced offense featuring five players in double figures, with Rienk Mast leading the way with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Huskers managed to shoot 54 percent against a Wisconsin defense that previously held opponents under 50 percent for 15 consecutive games. Additionally, Nebraska’s defense has proven its mettle, ranking second in the Big Ten and placing in the top 20 nationally for field goal defense, holding opponents to just 37.5 percent shooting.
A notable achievement within reach for the Huskers is the potential to set two program records this Saturday. Their current 10-0 start ties with the 1977-78 team for the best start in program history, while their ongoing 14-game winning streak, dating back to last season, matches the school’s all-time longest.
This season, Illinois comes into the game with an 8-2 record after securing an 88-80 road win against Ohio State. The Illini’s success has been complemented by the impressive performances of freshmen David Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler, who combined for 45 points in the recent victory. Illinois ranks high nationally not only in scoring average but also in rebounding, with a 10.4-rebound margin per game.
The historical context of this matchup adds another layer of tension. Illinois leads the all-time series against Nebraska with a record of 23-9. However, the Huskers have shown resilience, having snapped a nine-game losing streak to the Illini with an overtime victory last season.
As they prepare for this pivotal game, the Huskers are focused on maintaining their strong performance, especially after their recent blowout against Wisconsin, which not only marked their best victory margin in conference play since 2016 but also elevated them to the top of several statistical categories in the Big Ten.
Nebraska’s success can be attributed to its depth, with multiple players stepping up throughout the season. So far, multiple players have bolstered their scoring averages significantly compared to last year, with Pryce Sandfort, for example, averaging 17.0 points per game recently.
The game against Illinois is not just another matchup; it’s an opportunity for Nebraska to validate its strong start, challenge its endurance against top-level competition, and potentially set historical milestones in the program. As excitement builds around the Huskers and their growing national recognition, fans will be eagerly watching to see if the team can continue its winning ways against a formidable Illinois squad.
