Illini Shuck the Huskers, 72-66
By Jeff Mayfield

[February 19, 2018]  The Illinois Fighting Illini hustled and fought their way to a 72-66 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers Sunday afternoon at the State Farm Center. It was one of Illinois’ most complete games of the season and snapped Nebraska’s 6-game winning streak before a sell out crowd. In fact, Illinois beat the Big Ten’s hottest team, as the Huskers had been winners in 8 of their last 9.

The man of the hour, the man who was red hot, the man who was unstoppable was Leron Black. All he did was score a career high 28 points, pull down 7 rebounds, and for all I know might have been one of the entertainers doing the dunking exhibition at halftime. Black willed the Illini every which way he could and he refused to lose.

Trent Frazier continued his solid play finishing with 12 points and Kipper Nichols had 12, all in the first half. Mark Smith had a big 8 points for the cause and Aaron Jordan chipped in 6.

The Illini out-rebounded the quicker Huskers 38-29 and only committed 8 turnovers for the game. The Illini had one of their better shooting games of the season as they hit for 46% from the field for the game after shooting 62% in the first half. Illinois outscored Nebraska 9-0 on 2nd chance points.

The win was only the third conference win for the Illini. The Huskers fell to 11-5 and 20-9.

Next up for the Illini is a Tuesday date at East Lansing, MI versus the Michigan State Spartans.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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