Tracy Abrams scored a team-high 16 points as the Illinois Fighting Illini defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers, 72-65, in a Big Ten Conference bout at Assembly Hall.

Brandon Paul put up 14 points and D.J. Richardson added 13 for the Illini (21-9, 8-8 Big Ten). Myke Henry was one rebound shy of a double-double with 12 points and Nnanna Egwu contributed 10 points as Illinois won for the sixth time in seven games.

For the Cornhuskers (13-16, 4-12), Ray Gallegos scored a game-high 23 points, Dylan Talley chipped in 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists as Nebraska lost for the fourth time in five games.

In the first half the teams were even at 32-32 with just seconds remaining before Abrams hit a 3-pointer to give Illinois a 35-32 advantage at the break.

In the second half Nebraska made 13-of-31 from the floor and 2-of-5 free throws. Illinois converted 12-of-24 field goal attempts and 9-of-10 foul shots, en route to the seven-point victory.

Illinois controlled the boards, 35-26, and dominated bench points, 38-0.

Game Notes