The Illini rode a second-half surge in Lincoln to pull away from the Cornhuskers – and cement their status as a Big Ten powerhouse – on Sunday
Eleven wins in a row hit different when No. 11 comes against the last team that beat you. No. 9 Illinois was able to revel in the feeling Sunday after taking down No. 5 Nebraska 78-69 in Lincoln, using a second-half surge and yet another bonkers performance from freshmanThe Illini looked vulnerable in the first half, again falling prey to the sharp movement and shooting of the Cornhuskers , who nipped them 83-80 in Champaign back in December.
But with fewer defensive lapses and stronger closeouts in the second half, along with Wagler's 23 points after halftime , Illinois snuffed the last threats from Nebraska in the dying minutes.There's a difference between simple and simplistic. Trimming the fat, removing clutter and letting players read and react isn't a bad thing. But Illinois' offense seems to have no "break glass in case of emergency" contingencies and no ability togood looks using anything other than player skill and pure size and athleticism. Prescribed actions? ATOs and out-of-bounds plays? Nothing to see here, friends. Nebraska's defense is one of one, but future Illinois opponents can easily examine the Cornhuskers' defensive principles to find bits of what worked against the Illini in their loss in Champaign and in the first half Sunday to close off the paint against them. Teams with more size and athleticism than the Huskers that can replicate some of their connectivity will force the Illini into some droughts that could be avoided with a few basic basketball actions. The playbook doesn't have to be "War and Peace." A couple of tweets would do it.Give credit to Illini coach Brad Underwood for building a roster whose pieces not only fit exceptionally well within the system – but also alongside one another. In recent days, the offense has had the feel of a one-man show, but it could be argued that it was justWhen the Illini get off the ball quickly, cut on the weak side and look to get the ball into the middle, they are devastatingly effective. The all-shooters lineups and wall-to-wall playmaking ability makes for a spectacularly dynamic offensive profile, with power forwards who can pass, guards who can get big and play through contact and everyone bombing from outside when it all falls into place.We've spoken ad nauseam about Wagler's excellence, and he deserves every blotter of ink that subject has received. But there hasn't been a great deal of explanation about theof it. One subtle and seemingly even dull piece of Wagler's game that hasn't received much attention has had an outsized effect on his productivity: his skill and creativity finishing off two feet.Wagler is long but not at all stout. He's slick on his feet – but not at all quick or explosive. What's left? Craftiness. Jump stops, pivots, step-throughs and hesitations are all in Wagler's bag, and by working off two feet, he's sturdier against contact than any 185-pounder deserves to be. When combined with his uncanny touch and shooting off the glass, Wagler is a more potent weapon in the paint than anyone could have expected.Jason Langendorf has covered Illinois basketball, football and more for Illinois on SI since October 2024, and has covered Illini sports – among other subjects – for 30 years. A veteran of ESPN and Sporting News, he has published work in The Guardian, Vice, Chicago Sun-Times and many other outlets. He is currently also the U.S. editor at BoxingScene and a judge for the annual BWAA writing awards. He can be followed and reached on X and Bluesky @JasonLangendorf.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Despite RT Review Bombing ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4’s Cinderella-esque Tale Is an Instant Streaming SuccessLuke Thompson and Yerin Ha in Bridgerton Season 4 Episode 1
Read more »
Cranford gets back on track, beats Mendham for the first time since 2011Cranford's win over Mendham was its second in three games after losing three-straight
Read more »
Observations after Embiid scores 40, Sixers win in 1st game of George's suspension Joel Embiid’s first 40-point game of the season led the Sixers over the Pelicans on Saturday night.
Read more »
3 Takeaways From UNC’s Win Over Georgia TechHere are three observations from UNC’s win over GT
Read more »
Roob's Random Observations: Why I like the Eagles' Sean Mannion hireA deeper dive into the Sean Mannion hire, unexpected Super Bowl contributors, Philly’s edge-rusher future and more.
Read more »
Three Observations From the Cardinals Hiring Rams Mike LaFleurThe Los Angeles Rams will see their former coordinator twice next season from the opposing sidelines
Read more »