Sophomore guard Joseph Bertrand scored a career-high 25 points as Illinois edged visiting Nebraska 59-54 Saturday at Assembly Hall.

Bertrand, who had a stretch earlier this season in which he hit 13 consecutive field-goal attempts over two games, had another incredible shooting performance in this one, going 11-of-12 from the field.

Illinois (14-3, 3-1 Big Ten), which improved to 5-1 in games decided by five points or less, led by as many as five points early in the second half at 34-29.

But the Huskers (8-7, 0-4) hit seven of their next eight shots to key a 16-6 run and grab a five-point advantage of their own at the 8:48 mark.

The Illini fought back to knot the game at 45 as neither team held more than a two-point lead from that point on until the final minute.

Bertrand gave Illinois a lead for the final time when hit a runner with a 54 seconds remaining, but he was called for an offensive foul at the conclusion of the play. However, Toney McCray missed both free-throw attempts.

Following a Nebraska timeout on its next possession, Bo Spencer took a difficult 3-point attempt, which led to a layup opportunity for Brandon Paul, who drew a flagrant foul on the play. Paul hit both of his free throws and Meyers Leonard hit 1-of-2 seconds later to account for the final margin.

Spencer scored a team-high 13 points for the Huskers, who committed a season-high 20 turnovers.