In a shocking turn of events, Illinois pulled off a stunning 78-69 upset over No. 7 Nebraska at Pinnacle Bank Arena, handing the Cornhuskers their third loss of the season. This monumental victory was fueled by Keaton Wagler's outstanding performance, as the Illinois star recorded 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. The win was all the more impressive considering CHD Scout had predicted a Nebraska victory by 3 points, but the Fighting Illini had other plans.
Nebraska, boasting a 20-2 record coming into the game, was expected to dominate, but Illinois had other plans. The Cornhuskers' Braden Frager did his best to keep his team in the game, scoring 20 points, while Pryce Sandfort and Sam Hoiberg chipped in with 14 and 13 points, respectively. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Fighting Illini. At halftime, Nebraska held a slim 39-33 lead, but Illinois came out strong in the second half, outscoring the Cornhuskers 45-30 to seal the win.
The significance of this upset cannot be overstated. Nebraska, ranked No. 7 in the nation, was expected to roll over Illinois, but the Fighting Illini's victory will send shockwaves through the college basketball world. This win will undoubtedly boost Illinois' tournament resume, as they took down a top-10 team on the road. The Fighting Illini's 19-3 record now looks even more impressive, and they will likely see a significant jump in the rankings.
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For Nebraska, this loss will be a tough pill to swallow. The Cornhuskers had been riding high, but this defeat will drop them in the rankings and raise questions about their ability to compete with top-tier teams. Despite the loss, the game was still a Quadrant 1 opportunity for both teams, and the experience will undoubtedly benefit Nebraska in the long run.
The victory was a reflection of Illinois' resilience and determination. Keaton Wagler's performance was the catalyst for the win, and his teammates stepped up to support him. Tomislav Ivisic added 12 points and 8 rebounds, while Jake Davis chipped in with 13 points. The Fighting Illini's ability to adapt and overcome adversity will serve them well as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.
As the season enters its final stretch, this win will have major implications for Illinois' tournament chances. The Fighting Illini have now secured a Quadrant 1 win, which will significantly bolster their resume. With this victory, Illinois has cemented its position as a legitimate contender, and their tournament prospects look brighter than ever. The loss, on the other hand, will force Nebraska to regroup and refocus, but the Cornhuskers' tournament chances remain intact, thanks to their strong overall record and the fact that this was still a Quadrant 1 game.