Illinois used double-figure scoring from five players to hold off stubborn Nebraska Saturday, 72-65.
The Huskers led 57-55 with just over 6 minutes to play. But the Illini (21-9, 8-8 Big Ten) went on a 7-0 run started by a 3-pointer from D.J. Richardson to go up 62-57. They never trailed again.
Tracy Abrams led Illinois with 16 points. Brandon Paul had 14 and Richardson, Myke Henry and Nnanna Egwu also scored in double figures.
Nebraska (13-16, 4-12) was led by 23 points from Ray Gallegos and 20 by Dylan Talley.
The win helps build Illinois' NCAA tournament case with two regular-seasons games left. The Illini play at Iowa Tuesday and at No. 16 Ohio State March 10.
NCAA Top-25 Men's Basketball
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#4 Michigan Wolverines 58, #10 Michigan State Spartans 57
Purdue Boilermakers 69, #16 Wisconsin Badgers 56