CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The Illinois men’s basketball team saw their two-game winning streak come to an end on Saturday with a defeat against Nebraska.

In the first half, the Illini found themselves trailing by as much as 14 points, thanks to an impressive performance by Nebraska’s Pryce Sandfort. Sandfort lit up the scoreboard with 26 points before halftime. Despite this, Illinois managed to mount a comeback, evening the score at 37 by the break.

As the second half began, Nebraska regained momentum, pushing their advantage back to 10 points by the time the game clock hit the under-12 minute media timeout.

Throughout the second half, both teams battled fiercely, with the Huskers holding onto a seven-point lead when the under-four minute media timeout arrived.

In a thrilling conclusion, the Illini narrowed the gap to two points in the final two minutes and came within one point after a crucial three-pointer by Ben Humrichous. Although Nebraska briefly extended their lead to three, Tomislav Ivisic responded with a clutch three-pointer, his first points of the game, tying the score at 80 with just 30 seconds remaining.

The Huskers hit the biggest shot of the game though, in the final second. Jamarques Lawrence sank a three-pointer for the win moments before the buzzer sounded.

The Huskers won 83-80, improving to 11-0 on the season.

Kylan Boswell led the Illini with 20 points, Keaton Wagler and Andrej Stojakovic scored 19 each. Sandfort led all scorers with 32 points.

Illinois falls to 8-3 on the season. The Illini return to action on Monday, Dec. 22 in St. Louis against Missouri.