Nebraska stood toe-to-toe with No. 25 Illinois, but the Fighting Illini used a 12-2 run in the final four minutes to stave off the Huskers, 81-71 at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Tuesday night.
In a tightly contest battle, neither team led by more than five until the final stretch after Nebraska pulled even at 65-all on a pair of Bryce McGowens' free throws with 3:57 left. Coleman Hawkins' offensive putback started a decisive 7-0 run, as the Illini took a 72-65 lead on a 3-pointer from Da'Monte Williams with 2:20 left. NU pulled to within five at 72-67 on a pair of Alonzo Verge Jr.