Illinois basketball came into the Nebraska game as a heavy favorite, but the Cornhuskers gave the Illini everything they had.
This was a tough game for the Illini. Nebraska had the game tied with less than four minutes to go. They were hitting everything, and Illinois was sleepwalking for most of the game. But thanks to a great run in the final minutes, the Illini emerged victorious, 81-71.
Here are five observations from the Illinois basketball win over Nebraska.
1. Frazier’s best game with the Illini
I think I have to start off with the tremendous game from Trent Frazier. This kid came through for Illinois in a big way on Tuesday night.
Honestly, Illinois would have dropped the game against Nebraska if Frazier just had a regular game. He saw that the team needed him, and he decided to put on his cape to save the day.
Frazier ended the game with 29 points, five assists, four steals, and two rebounds. I would argue the biggest stat of all was just one turnover on the night. He handled the ball so frequently and only managed to cough it up on one occasion.
The shooting performance by Frazier was spectacular as well. He was an efficient 9-of-18 from the field and 3-of-6 from three-point range. The fifth-year senior also got to the charity stripe 10 times and made eight shots.
I would make the argument this was the best showing from Frazier in his Illinois career. His 29 points are tied for third-best during his time with the Illini. But the top two scoring efforts ended in a loss. Frazier’s five assists and four steals both ranks inside the top 10 for his career as well.
Illinois needed this win. Frazier showed up in a big one with, arguably, the best game of his career. This kid is a true legend.