Cockburn scores 24 as No. 5 Illinois tops Nebraska 86-70

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Kofi Cockburn scored 24 points, freshman Adam Miller added 18 and No. 5 Illinois beat Nebraska 86-70 on Thursday night.

Illinois (17-6, 13-4 Big Ten) played without star Ayo Dosunmu, who broke his nose Tuesday against Michigan State and is expected to miss at least two more games.

Freshman guard Andre Curbelo narrowly missed a triple-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.

It was the most points for Miller since he scored 14 against Ohio State on Jan. 16.

Trey McGowens led Nebraska (5-17, 1-14) with 18 points. Kobe Webster and Shamiel Steveson added 12 each for the Cornhuskers.

Illinois was 30 for 62 from the field (48%) while Nebraska shot 27 for 61 (44%). The Fighting Illini outrebounded Nebraska 43-29.

It was a physical game from the opening tip. Back-to-back technical fouls were called on both teams late in the first half, and there were several minor scuffles. Miller hit two 3-pointers and made several circus layups to pull Illinois ahead.

Miller had 16 points at halftime and Illinois led 36-28.

1of17Illinois guard Andre Curbelo (5) goes up for a shot against Nebraska during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Champaign, Ill.Holly Hart/AP

2of17Illinois guard Andre Curbelo (5) is defended by Nebraska forwards Lat Mayen and Derrick Walker (13) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Champaign, Ill.Holly Hart/AP

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4of17Nebraska's guard Teddy Allen (0) drives past Illinois guard Adam Miller (44) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Champaign, Ill.Holly Hart/AP

5of17Illinois' Ayo Dosunmu, a graduating senior, is honored before the team's last home game of the NCAA basketball season, against Nebraska on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Champaign, Ill.Holly Hart/AP

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7of17Nebraska guard Shamiel Stevenson looks for a shot as he is pressured by Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins, left, and guard Da'Monte Williams during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Champaign, Ill.Holly Hart/AP

8of17Illinois' Ayo Dosunmu, center, stands with teammates and athletic director Josh Whitman, left, and coach Brad Underwood, right, before the team's last home game of the NCAA college basketball season, against Nebraska on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Champaign, Ill. Dosunmu missed the game because of a broken nose.Holly Hart/AP

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10of17Illinois guard Trent Frazier receives his framed jersey before his last home NCAA college basketball game, against Nebraska on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Champaign, Ill.Holly Hart/AP

11of17Illinois' Ayo Dosunmu kisses court before the team's last home game of the NCAA college basketball season, against Nebraska on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Champaign, Ill. Dosunmu missed the game with a broken nose.Holly Hart/AP

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13of17Nebraska guard Shamiel Stevenson shoots as Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins (33), forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili and guard Jacob Grandison (3) defend during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Champaign, Ill.Holly Hart/AP

14of17Illinois guard Adam Miller (44) scores as Nebraska guard Dalano Banton (45) and center Eduardo Andre (35) watch during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Champaign, Ill.Holly Hart/AP

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16of17Illinois guard Da'Monte Williams (20) gets a hug from coach Brad Underwood as he receives his jersey during senior night, at the team's NCAA college basketball game against Nebraska on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Champaign, Ill.Holly Hart/AP

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BIG PICTURE

Illinois needed this one, with three tough road games coming up and Dosunmu likely to sit out at least two of them. Terrific games from two freshmen in Curbelo and Miller helped pick up the slack against Nebraska.

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