Illinois Basketball: 5 takeaways from the Illini loss to Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE – JANUARY 15: Illinois forward Michael Finke (43) makes a three point shot and fouled by Nebraska forward Isaiah Roby (15) to put Illinois ahead by one with six seconds left in the game Monday, January 15th at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Illinois 64 to 63. (Photo by John Peterson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Michael Finke had his best half of the season

There are many players that I look for to step up and give Illinois some semblance of offense. Last night, in the second half, the Illini received that offense from a source many people – including myself – have been rightfully hard on for most of the season.

Michael Finke finished the night with a really good stat line against Nebraska. He had 16 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 6-of-9 from the field and 2-of-3 from the three-point line. Just looking at these numbers makes you think he dominated the entire game. But, he didn’t.

I was getting upset with Finke in the first half. He wasn’t giving the Illini the production to make up for his lack of defense. He finished the first half with one point and four rebounds. But, in the second half, he was sensational.

Finke dropped 15 points and pulled down six rebounds in the second half. His main production came with 10 minutes remaining. Illinois was down eight points at this mark and Finke took the game over. From that point on, he was 4-of-4 from the field and 2-of-2 from the three-point line for 13 points. He also pulled down 4 rebounds as well.

No matter how much you are off the Finke bandwagon, you can’t deny the fact he was the reason we were even close in the game on Monday night.

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