Illini try to extend winning streak at Nebraska

The Fighting Illini have kept fighting, won two in a row and three of four as they attempt to find a way into the NCAA tourney.

With just three regular season games and the Big Ten tourney remaining, Illinois needs to win out and then hope that is enough to sway the selection committee. Sitting at 16-12, historically it has been tough to get an at large bid with 14 losses, and almost impossible with 15, so another regular season loss could spell NIT.

Illinois takes on a young Nebraska on Sunday night that has battled some transfer and health issues and has been as inconsistent as the Illini against what amounts to a brutal schedule they were not prepared for. The Huskers have shown a great deal of resolve at home, however, beating Penn State, Purdue and Iowa, and losing an overtime heartbreaker to Wisconsin.

Entering this weekend’s action, the Illini are in a three-way tie with Nebraska and Penn State for ninth place in the Big Ten race, and a win on Sunday would go a long way in helping to secure a first-round bye for the Big Ten Tournament in two weeks in Washington D.C.

SETTING THE STAGE

Illinois (16-12, 6-9) at Nebraska (12-15, 6-9)

Feb. 26, 2017 // 6:30 p.m. CT // Lincoln, Neb. // Pinnacle Bank Arena (15,500)

TV: BTN – Kevin Kugler (Play-By-Play), Shon Morris (Analyst) // Internet Stream: BTN2Go.com

Radio: Fighting Illini Sports Network – Brian Barnhart (Play-By-Play), Doug Altenberger (Analyst)

Satellite Radio: Sirius – 136, XM – 195

THINGS TO KNOW

*Illinois has surpassed last year’s win totals overall (15) and in the Big Ten (5). Illinois is looking to win three straight games in conference play for the first time since winning four in a row from Jan. 31-Feb. 12, 2015 (Penn State, Rutgers, at Michigan State, Michigan).

*The Illini also carry a two-game road winning streak to Lincoln following victories at Northwestern and at Iowa. The last time Illinois won three straight Big Ten road games was Feb. 19-March 8, 2014 (at Minnesota, at Michigan State, at Iowa). In its wins over Iowa and Northwestern, Illinois’ defense held the opposition to an average of 58.0 points (116) on 35.5 percent shooting from the field (39-110) and 28.2 percent from 3-point range (11-39).

*Sunday's game is part of Legends Weekend for Nebraska, as nearly 75 former players are back for the contest and they will be recognized at halftime.

*Nebraska Senior Tai Webster is 20 points away from being the 10th senior in school history to score 500 points in a season. Only 14 players in school history have scored 500 or more points in a season. Webster joins Josh Hart (Villanova) as the only power conference players to reach double figures in every game in 2016- 17. Webster has reached double figures in 28 straight games dating back to last season.

*Nebraska is 7-4 in games decided by five points or less. Two of the losses came with 1.0 seconds left or less (vs. Ohio State; at Rutgers).

KEYS TO THE GAME

Handle the road – Illinois has been better in its last two road games, but they have shown the ability to revert back to those slow starts that plagued them early on. Illinois can’t afford to fall behind early and have to expend energy to attempt to catch up in the 2nd half. Good shots early on and using their post players will help, while they have to find Webster and Watson and make someone else beat them.

Individual battles – Illinois fans will no doubt watch the point guard matchup between Te’Jon Lucas and Glynn Watson closely. Both players have shown the ability to lead their teams to some impressive wins and have bright futures. Lucas can’t go under screens and gamble quite as much as he has of late against Watson, who hits 43% from deep. Hill and Webster is also a great battle. The two stars of the team can both get hot and carry a team, but have also been known to force some things.

3-ball, corner pocket – Nebraska has had trouble defending 3’s, so the Illinois needs solid shooting days from Finke and Coleman-Lands. When teams have an effective Field Goal percentage above 52%, the Huskers are 1-7 and in those 8 games their opponent shoot almost 50% from 3 (77-158). Illinois has to make those opportunities when they get them.

PREDICTION

Nebraska is a 4-point favorite, and this is expected to be a close game down to the wire. Both teams have been Jekyll and Hyde types thus far, but at home on Legends Day, it’s hard to see Nebraska not giving a solid effort. Expect a close game, but the Illini fall 69-67 late.