Nebraska Basketball Game Day: Illinois
Here is what you need to know going into Nebraska’s first home game of 2023 tonight in an 8 p.m. tip against Illinois at Pinnacle Bank Arena…
Who, What, Where, When
Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-7, 2-3) vs. Illinois (10-5, 1-3)
Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 – 8 p.m. CT
Pinnacle Bank Arena (15,500)
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: Huskers Radio Network
Internet: FOX Sports app
Nebraska projected starters
| Sam Griesel | G | Sr. | 6-7/216 | Had 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists at Minnesota. |
| Emmanuel Bandoumel | G | Sr. | 6-4/187 | Scored 7 points and 3 boards with a team-high +/- of 8 at UM. |
| C.J. Wilcher | G | So. | 6-5/208 | Posted 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in the win at Minnesota. |
| Juwan Gary | F | Jr. | 6-6/215 | Scored a season-high 18 points on 7-11 shooting at Minnesota. |
| Derrick Walker | F | Sr. | 6-9/245 | Set career-high with 22 points and 7 assists with 8 boards at UM. |
Illinois projected starters
| Sencire Harris | G | Fr. | 6-4/160 | Playing just 14.2 mpg. Averages 4.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, and 1.0 spg. |
| Terrance Shannon Jr. | G | Sr. | 6-6/215 | Leads team with 17.6 ppg and 1.1 spg while adding 3.2 apg. |
| Matthew Mayer | F | Sr. | 6-9/225 | Averaging 10.1 ppg while shooting 36.6% from 3-point range. |
| Coleman Hawkins | F | Jr. | 6-10/225 | Scoring 10.0 ppg and leads team with 6.3 rpg and 3.5 apg. |
| Dain Dainja | F | So. | 6-9/270 | Averages 10.1 ppg on 71.4% shooting with 5.7 rpg and 1.4 bpg. |
Make every possession count
It’s no secret that Nebraska walks a fine line every night between competing with anyone and not standing a chance. Regardless of who they’re playing, the Huskers have to play high-level defense from start to finish. But in a matchup like Illinois, the margin for error is going to be even slimmer. The Fighting Illini rank 52nd nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency (109.4) and 36th in adjusted defensive efficiency (93.4). They also stand in the top-50 in in offensive (45th, 53.8) and defensive (22nd, 44.7) field goal efficiency. NU cannot afford to have extended scoring droughts and careless possessions tonight.
Crash the boards
Not only does Nebraska need to be as efficient as possible on both ends of the floor, but it also must win on the glass. That’s especially critical on defense, as Illinois thrives on extending possessions by crashing the offensive boards. The Illini rank 38th nationally in offensive rebounding percentage (34.3), led by 6-foot-9, 270-pound big man Dain Dainja, who is 43rd in the country in OReb% (14.2). The Huskers have been drastically improved on the glass this season, but Illinois is second in the Big Ten in overall rebounding margin (+6.5). NU must be ready to battle on the boards all night.
Stay in control
One of the hallmarks of Illinois head coach Brad Underwood’s programs has always been the ability to thrive in chaos. The Illini are going to press Nebraska as much as any opponent this season, and few teams create more offense through their defense. By forcing an average of 15.5 takeaways per game, Illinois ranks 51st nationally in defensive turnover percentage (21.5). However, the Illini have also struggled to take care of the basketball on offense. They are dead last in the Big Ten with 14.9 TOs committed per game and rank 294th overall in offensive turnover percentage (20.7). Nebraska must find ways to capitalize off of Illinois’ occasional sloppiness. At the same time, it has to stay in control on offense from baseline to baseline.
Quotable
“It starts with Fred. He’s running those plays for me, and my teammates are believing in those plays that re being ran for me. When they tell me to go, I’ve got to go. They look at me as one of the leaders, so in those moments, I can’t shy away and I can’t be afraid of the moment. So when they tell me to go, I’ve got to go. I’ve got to attack no matter who’s guarding me. They always tell me, ‘Man, we’re rocking with you. We’re going to feed off of you.'”
Senior forward Derrick Walker on his career performance in Saturday’s overtime win at Minnesota.
Prediction
Nebraska (+4.5) 70, Illinois 69
Robin’s overall season record: 11-5
Robin’s record vs. the spread: 8-8
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