The University of Nebraska's men's basketball team, ranked No. 5 nationally, is set to host No. 9 Illinois in a highly anticipated top-10 matchup at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 3:10 p.m. Central Time. Nebraska, with a 20-1 overall record and a 9-1 record in the Big Ten, aims to bounce back from a narrow 75-72 loss at Michigan, despite being short-handed due to injuries and illnesses among key players. Reink Mast, who was hospitalized for severe dehydration, and Braden Frager, who sprained his ankle, are both still being evaluated for their availability. Nebraska has achieved its highest-ever ranking in school history, reaching No. 5 in both the AP and Coaches polls, marking the program's first top-10 hosting since 1966. The Huskers are on a historic 24-game win streak, the longest in school history, and boast impressive offensive and defensive stats, including averaging 80.5 points per game and ranking 21st nationally in offensive efficiency. Illinois, 18-3 overall and 9-1 in the Big Ten, has won ten straight games and is seeking to extend its winning streak against top-5 opponents away from home. The game will be broadcast on FS1, with radio coverage on the Huskers Radio Network. Both teams feature star players such as Pryce Sandfort and Jamarques Lawrence for Nebraska, and Keaton Wagler and Andrej Stojakovic for Illinois. This matchup is crucial in the Big Ten race, with Nebraska aiming to defend its home court and Illinois looking for an upset on the road. The game is also notable for being part of a season where Nebraska has been ranked in the top 10 for four consecutive weeks, a program record, and for the Huskers' historic offensive performance this season.