The Huskers could not win the 20th game of the season and secure the double-bye in the conference tournament. Illinois was very motivated and knew what to do to knock Nebraska off their game (challenge Markowski and hope the refs don’t call all the fouls - which they didn’t).
This game was a dog fight from the start and the Illinois crowd was amped on Senior Day in Champaign. Nebraska held a lead in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t close it out and lost 74-73.
The Huskers finish the regular season 19-19 and will face the winner of Northwestern/Purdue on Thursday in the B1G conference tournament.