Illini ‘Problem-Solving Defense’ Solves Nebraska’s Offense & Shooting in Critical Win

Illinois holds Nebraska to just 10 of 24 from two-point field goal range in a 78-69 victory inside Pinnacle Bank Arena.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

February 1, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

LINCOLN, Neb. — Unlike its first matchup against Nebraska, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood and the rest of his coaching staff elected to approach its defensive plan with an objective to not miss the forest because of the trees.

The individual trees still is Nebraska’s unique ways to fill the scoring column up with all kinds of shooters such as Pryce Sandfort, Sam . . .

 

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