Nebraska Cornhuskers Edge Illinois Fighting Illini 83-80
Saturday, December 13, 2025, 4:00 PM ET · State Farm Center
Nebraska Cornhuskers 83, Illinois Fighting Illini 80, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Illinois Fighting Illini?
Nebraska Cornhuskers beat Illinois Fighting Illini 83-80 at State Farm Center on December 13, 2025.
Who was favored in Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Illinois Fighting Illini?
Illinois Fighting Illini were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -500 (about 83% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the State Farm Center, the Nebraska Cornhuskers secured a narrow victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini, finishing the game with a score of 83-80. This result extends Nebraska's remarkable unbeaten streak to 11 games, showcasing their dominance in the early part of the season. The Illinois Fighting Illini, despite the loss, have shown resilience and strong performances in recent weeks, making this fixture particularly compelling for fans and analysts alike.
Entering the game, Nebraska boasted an impressive away record of 11-0, while Illinois held a respectable home record of 8-3. The Cornhuskers had been on a ten-game winning streak, averaging 83.9 points per game while allowing 67.1. Their recent form included a decisive 90-60 victory against the Wisconsin Badgers just two days prior to this matchup. In contrast, Illinois had a record of 8-2 in their last ten games, with an average of 88.6 points scored and 70.4 points allowed. They came into this game following a win against the Ohio State Buckeyes, where they triumphed 88-80.
The game unfolded as a closely contested battle, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. The Fighting Illini, known for their high-scoring capabilities, managed to keep pace with Nebraska, but ultimately fell short. Key moments in the second half included a series of free throws by Kylan Boswell and Jared Garcia, which helped Nebraska maintain their lead. A pivotal three-point jumper by Tomislav Ivisic tied the game at 80-80, but Jamarques Lawrence's subsequent three-pointer sealed the victory for Nebraska.
Historically, this matchup had previously favored Nebraska, who had won their last encounter earlier in the season on January 31, 2025, with a score of 80-74. This latest victory further solidified their dominance in head-to-head matchups against Illinois, now holding a 2-0 record against them this season.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams appeared to be at full strength for this matchup, which is crucial in maintaining competitive integrity.
The betting lines prior to the game, as provided by DraftKings, indicated Illinois as the favorite with a spread of -9.5 and a moneyline of -500. Nebraska, on the other hand, was listed at +380 on the moneyline, reflecting their underdog status despite their unbeaten record. The total points were set at 156.5, suggesting expectations for a high-scoring affair, which ultimately came to fruition.
Conditions at the State Farm Center were conducive for a fast-paced game, with a lively crowd supporting the home team. Fans witnessed a blend of offensive prowess and strategic defense, making it an engaging spectacle.
Viewers should have noted the standout performances from key players on both sides. For Nebraska, the contributions from Jared Garcia and Kylan Boswell were instrumental in their victory, particularly in clutch moments during the second half. Illinois, despite the loss, showcased their scoring ability, with several players stepping up to challenge Nebraska's defense.
In conclusion, the matchup between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Illinois Fighting Illini not only delivered an exciting finish but also highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball this season. Nebraska's ability to maintain their perfect record while overcoming a formidable opponent like Illinois speaks volumes about their potential as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | ILL -9.5 | 156.5 o -112 / u -108 | Nebraska Cornhuskers +380 · Illinois Fighting Illini -500 |
Leaders
- PointsKylan Boswell20Illinois Fighting Illini
- AssistsKeaton Wagler10Illinois Fighting Illini
- ReboundsAndrej Stojakovic10Illinois Fighting Illini
- PointsPryce Sandfort32Nebraska Cornhuskers
- AssistsJamarques Lawrence6Nebraska Cornhuskers
- ReboundsRienk Mast7Nebraska Cornhuskers
Recent form
Illinois Fighting Illini
Last 10: 8-2Streak W288.6 scored · 70.4 allowed per game6-1 at home
- W88-80at Ohio State BuckeyesDec 10
- W75-62at Tennessee VolunteersDec 7
- L61-74at UConn HuskiesNov 28
- W87-73vs UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosNov 25
- W98-58vs Long Island University SharksNov 22
- L86-90vs Alabama Crimson TideNov 20
- W84-65vs Colgate RaidersNov 15
- W81-77vs Texas Tech Red RaidersNov 12
- W113-70vs Florida Gulf Coast EaglesNov 8
- W113-55vs Jackson State TigersNov 4
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1083.9 scored · 67.1 allowed per game1-0 away
- W90-60vs Wisconsin BadgersDec 11
- W71-50vs Creighton BluejaysDec 7
- W72-63vs South Carolina Upstate SpartansNov 29
- W80-73vs Winthrop EaglesNov 26
- W86-85vs Kansas State WildcatsNov 22
- W84-72at New Mexico LobosNov 21
- W105-99vs Oklahoma SoonersNov 16
- W69-50vs Maryland Eastern Shore HawksNov 12
- W96-66vs Florida International PanthersNov 8
- W86-53vs West Georgia WolvesNov 4
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Nebraska Cornhuskers | Illinois Fighting Illini |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-62 | 28-58 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 12-26 | 10-29 |
| Three-point % | 46 | 34 |
| Free throws | 7-8 | 14-20 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 21 |
| Assists | 20 | 18 |
| Steals | 6 | 2 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 34 |
| Fouls | 21 | 9 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 92 | 1 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-45Kylan Boswell made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half47-45Jamarques Lawrence made Jumper.
- 2nd Half50-45Sam Hoiberg made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Berke Buyuktuncel.
- 2nd Half50-47Jake Davis made Layup. Assisted by Tomislav Ivisic.
- 2nd Half52-47Rienk Mast made Layup. Assisted by Pryce Sandfort.
- 2nd Half52-49Keaton Wagler made Layup.
- 2nd Half54-49Pryce Sandfort made Layup. Assisted by Jamarques Lawrence.
- 2nd Half54-51Zvonimir Ivisic made Dunk. Assisted by Kylan Boswell.
- 2nd Half55-51Pryce Sandfort made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-51Pryce Sandfort made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-51Rienk Mast made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Sam Hoiberg.
- 2nd Half61-51Rienk Mast made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half61-52Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-54Andrej Stojakovic made Jumper. Assisted by Keaton Wagler.
- 2nd Half61-56Andrej Stojakovic made Layup. Assisted by Keaton Wagler.
- 2nd Half61-57Andrej Stojakovic made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-58Andrej Stojakovic made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half63-58Sam Hoiberg made Layup. Assisted by Rienk Mast.
- 2nd Half66-58Rienk Mast made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Pryce Sandfort.
- 2nd Half66-60Andrej Stojakovic made Layup.
- 2nd Half66-62Keaton Wagler made Layup.
- 2nd Half66-63Keaton Wagler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-63Jared Garcia made Layup. Assisted by Pryce Sandfort.
- 2nd Half70-63Jared Garcia made Layup. Assisted by Jamarques Lawrence.
- 2nd Half70-65Andrej Stojakovic made Layup. Assisted by Keaton Wagler.
- 2nd Half72-65Jared Garcia made Layup.
- 2nd Half72-67Andrej Stojakovic made Jumper.
- 2nd Half74-67Rienk Mast made Jumper. Assisted by Jared Garcia.
- 2nd Half74-68Keaton Wagler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half74-69Keaton Wagler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-69Sam Hoiberg made Layup.
- 2nd Half76-72Keaton Wagler made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Tomislav Ivisic.
- 2nd Half76-73Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-74Kylan Boswell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half77-74Jared Garcia made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half78-74Jared Garcia made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half78-77Ben Humrichous made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Keaton Wagler.
- 2nd Half80-77Jared Garcia made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half80-80Tomislav Ivisic made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Keaton Wagler.
- 2nd Half83-80Jamarques Lawrence made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Sam Hoiberg.
Win probability
Above the line favours Illinois Fighting Illini, below favours Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Venue
- State Farm CenterChampaign, IL
- Attendance15266
- OfficialsMichael Irving, Larry Scirotto, Randy Richardson
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond