Nebraska upset No. 18 Illinois 80-74 in overtime Thursday night at Pinnacle Bank Arena, snapping a six-game losing streak that dated back to Jan. 4.
Brice Williams scored 27 points to lead Nebraska (13-8, 3-7 Big Ten) to its first win over Illinois (14-7, 6-5) in their last 10 meetings.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola watched from courtside as the Cornhuskers secured their first home victory against Illinois in six seasons.
Both teams struggled offensively. Illinois shot 36% from the field while Nebraska managed 40%.
The Cornhuskers built a 10-point lead midway through the second half before Illinois rallied. Kasparas Jakučionis and Dra-Gibbs Lawhorn scored late to force overtime at 70-70.
Nebraska dominated the extra period, outscoring Illinois 10-4.
“I have to do something about the starting lineup,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. “We don’t know when we’re getting [Tomislav Ivisic] back.”
Ivisic, Illinois’ center, remains out with mononucleosis. Forward Will Riley tried filling the void with 16 points, four rebounds and an assist.
The loss continues a difficult stretch for Illinois, who’ve dropped four of their last six games. They host Ohio State Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
Nebraska travels to No. 16 Oregon Sunday for a 7:30 p.m. ET matchup on Big Ten Network, seeking consecutive wins for the first time in 2024.
The teams won’t meet again in regular season play. Their only potential rematch would come in March’s Big Ten Tournament, where Illinois prevailed 98-87 last year en route to the championship.
