Illinois Basketball: 4 observations from the Illini win over Nebraska

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Feb 12, 2021; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini center Kofi Cockburn (21) dunks over Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Lat Mayen (11) and guard Thorir Thorbjarnarson (34) in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Rebounding was a…weakness

Coming into the game against the Cornhuskers, Illinois was one of the best rebounding teams in the nation. We were pulling down 40.5 rebounds per game, which ranked No. 13 in the nation.

Not very many times this season has Illinois gone up against a team that was also good at rebounding. But, on Friday night, this is exactly what happened.

Nebraska has a solid rebounding unit. Entering Friday night, they averaged 37.2 rebounds per game, which ranked No. 86 in the nation. So, while they are bad just about everywhere else, the Cornhuskers’ one bright spot is rebounding.

This solid ability to rebound the ball shined bright against the Illini in the tune of 40 rebounds for the Cornhuskers to only 39 rebounds for Illinois. Nebraska actually outrebounded the Illini, and this was a major reason why they were competitive in this game.

It was a group effort by Nebraska on the glass. Even their guards are big players, so they have five solid sized players hitting the boards every time down the court.

Derrick Walker and Teddy Allen led the way for Nebraska with eight rebounds apiece. All five starters for the Cornhuskers had at least four rebounds. It was quite an impressive effort by a team who could just pack it up and call it a season mentally. That isn’t happening, though. This Nebraska team is playing hard for their head coach. It isn’t every game you see Illinois getting outrebounded. Hats off to the Cornhuskers.

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