Illinois holds off Nebraska, 71-64

Brad Repplinger - The Champaign RoomCHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Make that two out of the last three for the Illini.

Illinois handled the Nebraska Cornhuskers (13-9, 3-8 Big Ten) behind a big game from Kipper Nichols off the bench, stellar defense, and a hot first half. The 71-64 win on Saturday afternoon at State Farm Center marks Illinois’ third conference win of the season.

With Ayo Dosunmu struggling to find his rhythm in the first half, Illinois (7-15, 3-8 Big Ten) got help from an unlikely hero — Kipper Nichols. The junior transfer has been virtually nonexistent for the Illini the past five games having not scored in any of those appearances, but he provided some quality, productive minutes off…