No. 5 Nebraska Hosts No. 9 Illinois in Top-10 Big Ten Showdown

Huskers look to bounce back from first loss of season against another conference contender

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:47pm

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The No. 5 Nebraska men's basketball team returns home to Pinnacle Bank Arena to host the No. 9 Illinois Fighting Illini in a top-10 Big Ten matchup on Sunday. Nebraska is coming off its first loss of the season, a narrow 75-72 defeat to No. 3 Michigan, while Illinois has won 10 straight games since losing to the Huskers in December.

Why it matters

This game features two of the top teams in the Big Ten conference, with both squads sitting at 9-1 in league play. The winner will take a big step towards contending for the regular season conference title, while the loser will fall a game behind in the standings. Nebraska is looking to bounce back from its first defeat, while Illinois aims to avenge its earlier loss to the Huskers.

The details

Nebraska will need to rebound better and limit the impact of Illinois' tall frontcourt, led by 7-foot-1 center Tomislav Ivisic and 7-foot-2 Zvonimir Ivisic. The Huskers' own star big men, Rienk Mast and Braden Frager, could play a key role if they are able to return from their recent injuries and illnesses. Illinois has also been boosted by the emergence of freshman guard Keaton Wagler, who leads the team in scoring.

  • Nebraska defeated Illinois 83-80 on December 13, 2025.
  • Illinois has won 10 straight games since that loss to Nebraska.

The players

Brad Underwood

The 9th-year head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini, with a 183-104 (.638) record at Illinois and a 292-131 (.690) Division I career record. He has led Illinois to 9 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 1 Elite Eight, as well as 2 Big Ten Tournament titles and 1 Big Ten Regular Season title.

Tomislav Ivisic

The 7-foot-1 junior center for Illinois, averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game after missing the start of the season due to injury.

Kylan Boswell

The senior guard for Illinois, the team's second-leading scorer at over 14 points per game while also contributing 61 assists and 13 steals.

Rienk Mast

The star big man for Nebraska who has missed time due to illness, but is a key part of the Huskers' frontcourt.

Braden Frager

The freshman phenom for Nebraska who has been sidelined by injury, but is another important piece for the Huskers.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.