Can Illinois Fighting Illini Tame Nebraska Cornhuskers at Target Center?

As the Illinois Fighting Illini prepare to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Minneapolis' Target Center, fans are eager to see if their team can continue their winning momentum. In their recent Big Ten Quarterfinal matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes, Illinois showcased a balanced attack and solid defense to secure a narrow victory with a final score of 77-74.

The Fighting Illini's performance was marked by consistent scoring in both halves, putting up 31 points before halftime and adding another 46 in the second half. Their field goal percentage stood at 42 percent overall with an equal contribution from two-point range. However, they struggled beyond the arc, shooting only 27 percent from three-point territory.

One of Illinois' strengths was their ability to draw fouls and capitalize on free throws; they attempted an impressive 32 free throws and made 66 percent of them. This could be a critical factor against Nebraska if they manage to maintain this aggressive approach.

Defensively, Illinois managed to out-rebound Ohio State with a total of 44 rebounds compared to Ohio State's 40. They also registered four blocks and kept turnovers equal on both sides with eleven each. The assist-to-turnover ratio for Illinois stood at a decent rate of 1.2.

Looking ahead, fans should expect another intense battle as both teams vie for supremacy on neutral ground. The Fighting Illini will need to focus on maintaining their defensive tenacity while improving their three-point shooting efficiency if they wish to overcome the Cornhuskers.

The upcoming game is scheduled for March 16th at Target Center in Minneapolis; tip-off is set for 2:30 PM CT (Central Time). Fans can catch all the action live on CBS as these two teams clash in what promises to be an exciting encounter.