Hoops Gameday: Illinois
WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN
Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-15, 6-9) vs Illinois Fighting Illini (16-12, 6-9)
Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017 - 6:30 p.m.
Pinnacle Bank Arena
TV: BTN
Radio: Husker Sports Network
Internet: btn2go.com
| NAME | HT/WT | YEAR | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Glynn Watson |
6-0/174 |
So. |
Averaging 12.0 points and has nine assists with only one turnover over past three games |
|
Tai Webster |
6-4/195 |
Sr. |
Posted his first career double-double with 19 points and a career-high 10 rebounds vs. Michigan State. Moved past Herschell Turner (1056 points, 1958-60) for 26th on NU’s career scoring list (1,068) |
|
Evan Taylor |
6-5/206 |
Jr. |
Finished with 10 points vs. Michigan State, his first double-figure effort since Jan. 18 |
|
Michael Jacobson |
6-9/239 |
So. |
Scored three points with four rebounds in only 18 minutes at MSU |
|
Jordy Tshimanga |
6-11/275 |
Fr. |
Posted eight points and seven rebounds in just 16 minutes in loss at Michigan State |
| NAME | HT/WT | YEAR | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tracy Abrams |
6-2/185 |
Sr. |
Sixth-year senior averaging 7.9 points and 2.1 assists per game |
|
Te'Jon Lucas |
6-0/170 |
Fr. |
Averaging 5.0 points, 2.8 apg, and 1.5 rebounds per game |
|
Malcolm Hill |
6-6/225 |
Sr. |
Leads team and ranks fifth in the Big Ten with 17.0 points per game |
|
Leron Black |
6-7/220 |
So. |
Averages 8.3 points and a team-high 6.1 blocks per game |
|
Maverick Morgan |
6-10/245 |
Sr. |
Only other player scoring in double figures at 10.0 ppg, also leads team with 24 blocks |
3 KEYS TO VICTORY
1. Reclaim the paint
While Michigan State could essentially do whatever it wanted against Nebraska in Thursday night's 88-72 rout in East Lansing, the Huskers didn't exactly make it especially difficult for the Spartans with their play down low. MSU ended up owning a 42-28 edge in points in the paint and an 18-3 advantage in second-chance points, as Nebraska could do little to defend around the rim. That has to change tonight against an Illinois team that hasn't necessarily shot the ball well all year, as the Huskers can't afford to make life any easier for their opponents by giving up gimme looks in the paint.
2. Shut down Hill
It's no secret who makes everything go for Illinois, as senior guard Malcolm Hill is far and away the team's leader across the board on the offensive end. Hill currently ranks fifth in the Big Ten at 17.0 points per game, and he also leads the Illini in assists (2.9), field goals made (151) and free throws made (121). For the Huskers to win tonight, they have to make containing Hill their top priority and make someone else on an otherwise inconsistent roster step up and beat them.
3. Win the must-win
Looking at the final three games of the regular season and possibly even on into the Big Ten Tournament, tonight could very well be the last time Nebraska goes in as the favorite to win. That makes this game even more crucial for a Husker squad that is desperately clinging to already slim hopes for an NIT bid. As long as NU can play the way it's capable of, there's no reason it shouldn't take care of business on its home court and keep its postseason dreams alive for another game.
QUOTABLE
"I think the (Edward) Morrow injury did hurt us a little bit. We lost Anton Gill on Christmas night, and then we lost Morrow after the Iowa game. He tried to play against Northwestern and could, and then we went like 1-6 without him. That was just two athletic bodies we lost in a row to injury. But, you know, everybody's got injuries. (Michigan State) has them. You've got to be able to play through that. And we've lost three one-point games. I mean, what do you do? We've competed well, we just haven't gotten over the top sometimes."
- Head coach Tim Miles on what has gone wrong since Nebraska's 3-0 start to Big Ten play
PREDICTION
Nebraska 65-64
Robin's season record: 18-10