Illinois Basketball Extends Winning Streak as Keaton Wagler Powers No. 9 Illini Past No. 5 Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. A breaking update in Big Ten play saw Keaton Wagler deliver a season defining performance as No. 9 Illinois earned a statement 78 to 69 road win over No. 5 Nebraska on Sunday, snapping the Cornhuskers’ momentum and reinforcing the Illini’s position among the national title contenders.

Illinois used a dominant second half defensive effort and efficient scoring from Wagler to win its 11th straight game, improving to 19 and 3 overall and 10 and 1 in conference play. The victory carried added significance as it came in the first top 10 matchup Nebraska has hosted, and against the same opponent that handed Illinois its last loss on December 13.

Wagler finished with a game high 28 points, repeatedly delivering in key moments as the game tightened. His perimeter shooting flipped momentum early in the second half, including a three pointer with 13 minutes remaining that gave Illinois a 49 to 47 lead it would not surrender. Another three during a 10 to 0 run midway through the half stretched the margin and forced Nebraska to play from behind for the remainder of the game.

Illinois tightened defensively after halftime, holding Nebraska to just four field goals over the first 13 minutes of the second half. The Illini opened the half on an 18 to 8 run, turning a six point deficit into control of the game. Illinois finished with a 40 to 27 rebounding advantage and a plus 10 edge in points in the paint, underscoring its physicality and interior presence.

Jake Davis added 13 points for Illinois, while Tomislav Ivisic contributed 12 and David Mirkovic scored 10, giving the Illini balanced production around Wagler. Illinois also created separation at the free throw line, outscoring Nebraska 21 to 4, a decisive factor in closing out the road win despite Nebraska finishing with more made three pointers.

Nebraska entered the game riding one of the best stretches in program history but dropped its second straight contest after a loss earlier in the week at No. 3 Michigan. The Cornhuskers now sit at 20 and 2 overall and 9 and 2 in the Big Ten, with both losses coming against top tier opponents.

Braden Frager returned from an ankle injury and led Nebraska with 20 points, providing a spark after missing two games. Pryce Sandfort scored 14, Sam Hoiberg added 13, and Jamarques Lawrence chipped in 10. Nebraska shot 11 of 20 from three point range in the first half to build a 39 to 33 lead, but managed only four makes from deep after the break as Illinois adjusted defensively.

This result carries clear impact on the Big Ten title race and national rankings. Illinois continues to build a strong résumé with a double digit conference record and an extended winning streak, while Nebraska faces a critical stretch that will test its depth and consistency following back to back losses.

Illinois returns home next to host Northwestern on Wednesday as it looks to maintain momentum and conference positioning.

Nebraska will regroup on the road against Rutgers on Saturday, with an opportunity to stabilize its standing and respond after consecutive setbacks.