>>DJ Richardson Quietly Leading Illinois' Resurgence

D.J. Richardson joined a stacked lineup at Nevada's Findlay Prep for his senior year of high school.

To win a place on the court he had to rely on his defense.

In his almost four full seasons at Illinois, Richardson has been a streaky offensive player.

But that defense has kept him on the court through sometimes wild ups and downs. His team has been to the NCAA tournament but it has also seen coach Bruce Weber fired for a collapse.

This season, the Illini (20-9, 7-8 Big Ten) are close to an NCAA tournament bid. And coach John Groce says Richardson is a big reason why.

Richardson led a comeback win over No. 1 Indiana. And the senior's leadership helped keep the team afloat during a slump.

>>Illini Set To Host Huskers

(Champaign, IL) -- The Fighting Illini host Nebraska this Saturday at Assembly Hall. Illinois had a five-game winning streak broken by Michigan over the weekend. The Illini are currently 7-and-8 in the Big Ten and 20-and-9 overall. The Huskers are 13-and-15 and just 4-and-11 in conference.

NCAA Top-25 Basketball ("USA Today" Rankings)
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#2 Gonzaga Bulldogs 70, BYU Cougars 65
Virginia Cavaliers 73, #3 Duke Blue Devils 68
#15 Ohio State Buckeyes 63, Northwestern Wildcats 53