Lincoln’s Jermaine Hamlin, now a freshman playing for the Illini, did not take the floor last evening, but is seen here in warmups. There were numerous Lincoln and Mount Pulaski fans present for the big game against Nebraska

 

Illini Schuck the Huskers, 71-59
By Jeff Mayfield

[February 25, 2020]  Champaign-Urbana-The University of Illinois Fighting Illini defended their home court by taking down Nebraska 71-59 last night in Chambana. The Illini had a decent start, but then coughed up a 14-point first half lead. By then a promising start began to look like trouble. Thank goodness for Trent Frazier.

Frazier was honored just before the opening tip for becoming the 50th player in Illini history to reach 1000 points and decided he might as well add on to the honors. With the score tied just before half, he stepped back and nailed a long one to give Illinois a 3-point lead. But he wasn’t done. He got the ball back with a couple of seconds left just near the Nebraska basket, got himself in position and heaved one 65-feet for another 3-pointer as the State Farm Center went up for grabs!

That gave Illinois a 37-31 lead.

It was too close for comfort and way too close for this reporter most of the rest of the way, but Illinois finally found their stride and pulled away for another league win. The Illini placed 5 guys in double figures. Ayo Dosunmu continued to lead the way as he tallied 18 points while Kofi Cockburn added his 11th double double of the season going off for 15 points to go along with 10 rebounds. Alan Griffin continued his solid play throwing in 13 points. Trent Frazier and Andres Feliz added 11 points each.

The Illini out-rebounded Nebraska 48-35, but other than that statistically, it was a tough match-up all the way.

With this home victory the record now stands at 18-9 overall and 10-6 in the conference. The Illini will now make a trip to take on the pesky Wildcats of Northwestern Thursday night in Evanston.

[By JEFF MAYFIELD]

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