Leron Black scored a career-high 28 points and snagged seven rebounds, to help Illinois outlast Nebraska for a 72-66 victory on Sunday afternoon.

 

There were six ties and nine lead changes during the game, but the deciding basket came from Black. He nailed a fadeaway jumper with two minutes left that put the Illini ahead by three and brought the State Farm Center crowd to its feet.

 

On the Illini's final two possessions Trent Frazier and Mark Smith knocked down four free throws to secure the win.

 

Illinois (13-15, 3-12 Big Ten) shot 62 percent from the field and knocked down 7 of 9 from behind the arc to outscore Nebraska 43-36 in the first half. But after the break, the Cornhuskers used a 16-4 run to climb back in it for a five-point lead.

 

The teams traded baskets the rest of the way, but Black proved to be too much. He knocked down 3-of-5 from behind the arc in his second consecutive 20-point performance.

 

Frazier and and Nichols were the only other Illini to score in double figures, finishing with 12 points apiece.

 

Isaac Copeland led the way for Nebraska (20-9, 11-5) with 17 points.

 

Illinois will hit the road and face Michigan State on Tuesday. The No. 2 Spartans have a 10-game winning streak.