CHAMPAIGN — Illinois will face a Nebraska team playing for its NCAA tournament life today at State Farm Center. Most seasons 20 wins and a top four finish in the Big Ten would almost guarantee it.
The Cornhuskers (20-8, 11-4 Big Ten) don’t have that luxury. They’re considered one of the “First Four Out” by ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi. His CBSSports counterpart, Jerry Palm, doesn’t have Nebraska in either. So what the Cornhuskers do have is a clear goal for their remaining games — don’t lose.
Illinois is in a different place. The Illini (12-15, 2-12) have lost four straight games and sit alone in last place in the Big Ten standings with today’s game and three more in the coming week remaining on the regular season schedule.