Illini hold off Huskers, still on track for NCAA bid.

CHAMPAIGN—Illinois used double-figure scoring from five players to hold off stubborn Nebraska Saturday, 72-65.The Huskers led 57-55 with just over 6 minutes to play. But the Illini (21-9, 8-8 Big Ten) went on a 7-0 run started by a 3-pointer from D.J. Richardson to go up 62-57. They never trailed again.Tracy Abrams led Illinois with 16 points. Brandon Paul had 14 and Richardson, Myke Henry and Nnanna Egwu also scored in double figures.Nebraska (13-16, 4-12) was led by 23 points from Ray Gallegos and 20 by Dylan Talley.The win helps build Illinois’ NCAA tournament case with two regular-seasons games left. The Illini play at Iowa Tuesday and at No. 16 Ohio State March 10.