Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Illinois Fighting Illini Picks and Predictions January 30th 2025

No. 18 Illinois Aims to Dominate the Boards in Big Ten Clash vs. Nebraska

Illinois coach Brad Underwood believes his team has the potential to be a force in college basketball.

“We can be a dominant team if we keep growing and finding ways,” Underwood said after the Fighting Illini’s 83-74 victory over Northwestern on Sunday. “It’s growing steps and part of our process.”

That process continues on Thursday night as No. 18 Illinois (14-6, 6-4 Big Ten) heads to Lincoln, Nebraska, to face a struggling Cornhuskers team (12-8, 2-7 Big Ten) desperate to snap a six-game losing streak.

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Illinois’ Key to Success: Controlling the Glass

Illinois enters this matchup as the top rebounding team in Division I, averaging 42 rebounds per game. Their dominance on the boards was on full display against Northwestern, where they grabbed a 50-27 rebounding advantage, including 21 offensive rebounds.

What made that performance even more impressive? Illinois was missing its top rebounder, 7-foot-1 center Tomislav Ivisic, who leads the team with 8.5 rebounds per game but has been sidelined with mononucleosis. His availability for Thursday remains uncertain.

Freshman forward Morez Johnson Jr. stepped up in Ivisic’s absence, delivering an impressive stat line of 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks against Northwestern. Johnson, who averages 6.6 rebounds in just 16.1 minutes per game, could be a major factor against Nebraska.

“Rebounding is the key to our team,” Underwood emphasized. “I thought Morez did a great job.”

With three other Illinois players averaging at least 5.4 rebounds per game, the Illini will look to dominate the glass once again.

Nebraska’s Downward Spiral: Defensive Struggles Exposed

Nebraska started the season 12-2 and was close to breaking into the Top 25 rankings. However, their defense has collapsed during their current six-game losing streak, allowing an average of 86 points per game.

The Cornhuskers’ latest setback came in an 83-55 blowout loss at No. 18 Wisconsin, where they surrendered 17 three-pointers and looked completely overwhelmed.

Coach Fred Hoiberg acknowledged his team’s struggles but remains hopeful.

“When you’re on a streak like we are right now, human nature is to start questioning and to separate a little bit. But we have to find a way to stay together through this tough time,” Hoiberg said.

Nebraska desperately needs to improve defensively to stand a chance against an Illinois squad that thrives on second-chance opportunities and transition scoring.

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Key Players to Watch

Illinois Fighting Illini

• Kasparas Jakucionis (G) – Team’s leading scorer at 15.9 PPG, also averages 5.4 APG.
• Morez Johnson Jr. (F) – Emerging force in the paint, coming off a strong 15-point, 9-rebound game.
• Tomislav Ivisic (C) – Illinois’ top rebounder (8.5 RPG); status remains uncertain due to illness.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

• Brice Williams (G/F) – Team’s leading scorer (18.2 PPG) but struggled last game (11 points, 4-of-12 FG).
• Keisei Tominaga (G) – Key three-point shooter who could help Nebraska counter Illinois’ rebounding edge.
• Juwan Gary (F) – Nebraska’s top rebounder (6.3 RPG) who must step up to keep the Illini off the boards.

What’s at Stake?

• Illinois: A win would strengthen their push for a top-four NCAA Tournament seed and keep them in the Big Ten title race.
• Nebraska: The Cornhuskers need a turnaround before their postseason hopes slip away. After this game and a tough road trip to No. 16 Oregon, Nebraska will face unranked teams in their final nine games, making this a crucial opportunity to end their losing streak.

Head-to-Head: Illinois’ Dominance Over Nebraska

The all-time series heavily favors Illinois:

• Illinois leads 23-8 in head-to-head matchups.
• The Illini have won the last nine meetings between the two teams.

If Nebraska wants to break this streak, they must tighten their defense and limit Illinois’ second-chance points.

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Prediction: Can Nebraska Pull Off an Upset?

Illinois has been relentless on the boards and efficient offensively, making them the clear favorites. However, if Nebraska can recapture their early-season defensive intensity and Brice Williams delivers a standout performance, they might make this game competitive.

Prediction: Illinois 82, Nebraska 68 – The Illini dominate the rebounding battle and take control early, handing Nebraska a seventh straight loss.