Huskers’ Tournament Journey Ends with Loss to Illinois

In a thrilling showdown at the Target Center on Saturday afternoon, the Nebraska men’s basketball team fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to a 98-87 defeat against Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.

The Huskers (23-10), seeded third, started the game on a promising note, building a 15-point lead early in the second half. However, a resilient Illinois side (25-8), seeded second, mounted a remarkable comeback, fueled by a stellar performance in the paint and impressive shooting accuracy.

Leading the charge for the Huskers was Brice Williams, who delivered a standout performance with 23 points. Keisei Tominaga contributed 18 points, while Rienk Mast added 15 points to the scoreboard.

Despite both teams posting identical shooting percentages from the field, Illinois’ proficiency from beyond the arc proved decisive. The Fighting Illini connected on 13-of-35 three-point attempts, while the Huskers struggled, hitting just 8-of-27 shots from long range.

Terrence Shannon Jr. emerged as the standout performer for Illinois, delivering a career-high 40 points, setting a Big Ten Tournament record.

With the defeat, Nebraska’s attention now turns to the NCAA Tournament Selection Show, scheduled for Sunday at 5 p.m. (CT) on CBS. The Huskers eagerly await their seeding and matchup in the upcoming tournament.

Reflecting on the game, the Huskers displayed promising signs early on, with Mast leading the charge with a stellar performance from beyond the arc. However, Illinois mounted a formidable comeback, erasing the Huskers’ lead and ultimately seizing control of the game.

Despite the loss, the Huskers can take pride in their strong showing throughout the tournament, showcasing their resilience and determination on the court. As they await their NCAA Tournament fate, the team remains focused on continuing their impressive run and making their mark on the national stage.

Stay tuned for more updates and coverage as the Huskers embark on their NCAA Tournament journey. For all the latest news and highlights, visit HuskersToday.com. 🏀🌽 #HuskersBasketball #GBR