LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Shavon Shields scored a career-high 33 points, making all 15 of his free throws for Nebraska’s best performance at the line in 32 years, and the Cornhuskers defeated Illinois 67-58 on Wednesday night.
The Huskers (13-10, 5-6 Big Ten) pulled away with the help of a defense that held Illinois to two field goals over the last 6:57.
Terran Petteway added 16 points as the Huskers raised their record to 11-1 at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Shields bettered his previous high of 29 points against Penn State last season. He made 8 of 12 shots from the field, and his 15-for-15 night at the line was the best for Nebraska since Jack Moore made all 15 of his against Oklahoma State in 1982. The Huskers were 24 of 27 from the line, 14 of 17 in the second half.
Rayvonte Rice scored 23 points to lead the Illini (14-11, 3-9).