- Matchup: Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Illinois Fighting Illini
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Venue: State Farm Center, Champaign, IL
- Broadcast: Peacock
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This Saturday, the Illinois Fighting Illini (8-2) will face off against the undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-0) at the State Farm Center.
In their most recent matchup, the Nebraska Cornhuskers secured a convincing victory against Wisconsin, winning 90-60. Nebraska committed 13 personal fouls compared to Wisconsin’s 18. The Cornhuskers managed to sink 7 out of 32 attempts beyond the arc. Wisconsin demonstrated solid free-throw shooting, converting 9 of 11 attempts for an accuracy of 81.8%. On the boards, Wisconsin grabbed 28 rebounds (8 offensive, 20 defensive) but failed to record a block. They also achieved 14 assists and 4 steals. Defensively, Nebraska limited Wisconsin to 34.4% shooting, allowing 22 out of 64 attempts. They secured 35 rebounds, including 8 offensive, and excelled at the charity stripe by making 13 of 15 attempts (86.7%). Nebraska concluded the game with a field goal percentage of 54.1% (33 of 61) and hit 11 of 30 from three-point range.
Rienk Mast was instrumental for the Cornhuskers, scoring 17 points on 8 for 15 shooting while pulling down 10 rebounds and providing 2 assists in 26 minutes of play.
Nebraska enters the matchup boasting a perfect record of 9-0 for the season. They average 83.2 points per game (ranking 87th in Division 1) with a shooting percentage of 47.6%. From three-point range, the Cornhuskers are converting at a rate of 34.8% (100 of 287) and 71.5% from the free-throw line. As a collective, they are securing 38.6 rebounds per game and have tallied 167 assists this season, placing them 57th in college basketball in assists. The team averages 10.2 turnovers and 13.7 personal fouls per game.
Defensively, Nebraska is forcing 13.4 turnovers per game while averaging 17.8 personal fouls. Currently, they are positioned 138th in Division 1 for assists allowed, giving up 120 assists thus far. The Cornhuskers allow opponents a shooting percentage of 37.9% (217 of 573) while conceding 36.8 rebounds per game. Their opponents convert 30.2% of their three-point attempts and rank 73rd in points per game allowed, averaging 67.9.
Last time out, the Illinois Fighting Illini came away with an 88-80 victory against Ohio State. In that game, Illinois recorded 25 defensive rebounds along with 8 offensive boards, totaling 33. They turned the ball over 9 times but did not secure any steals. Ohio State committed 27 personal fouls, giving Illinois 32 free-throw attempts, of which they converted a remarkable 29 for a shooting percentage of 90.6%. From beyond the arc, Illinois made 11 of 27 attempts (40.7%) and finished shooting 44.4% overall, making 24 of 54 attempts. They allowed Ohio State to connect on 28 of 61 shots (45.9%) and allowed 9 of 28 from three (32.1%). In terms of rebounding, Illinois permitted Ohio State to grab a total of 24 boards (with 4 offensive).
Keaton Wagler played a key role for the Fighting Illini, shooting 6 for 11 for an impressive field goal percentage of 54.5%, to accumulate 23 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists in 39 minutes on the court.
Illinois holds a season record of 8-2. Offensively, the Fighting Illini are making 47.8% of their field goal attempts, ranking 84th in the nation. They have accumulated 886 points this season (88.6 points per game) while averaging 42.4 rebounds per game. Their assist average stands at 14.0 (211th in D-1), with 9.7 turnovers per contest. The Fighting Illini commit an average of 14.3 personal fouls and shoot 78.9% from the free-throw line.
Defensively, Illinois allows opponents to make 31.9% of their three-point shots (82 of 257) and 68.1% from the free-throw line. They concede 12.4 assists and 32.0 rebounds per game, ranking 126th and 67th in those categories. The Fighting Illini currently rank 121st in college basketball for points allowed per game at 70.4 and force 9.0 turnovers each night while allowing teams to shoot 40.5% from the floor (74th in Division 1).
Who will cover the spread in tonight’s NCAA showdown?
Pick: Bet on Nebraska
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