Story by NU Athletic Communications
Lincoln, Neb.- The No. 5 Huskers competed against the No. 2 Fighting Illini where they rallied past their conference competitors, 416.550-406.050, and earned their best score this season. The Huskers honored two seniors, Cooper Giles and Sam Phillips, in their final home meet and Husker appearance. In addition to out-scoring Illinois in every event and tying on one, the Huskers performance was highlighted by five event titles including Luke James on floor (14.60), Chris Hiser on rings (14.20), Taylor Christopulos on vault (14.75), Max Odden on high bar (13.85), and Sam Phillips in the all-around (80.65).
Floor
NU began the conference matchup on floor, where they collected their second-best team score on floor this season (70.40). Luke James set the tone for the afternoon after registering a new personal best (14.60) and snagging the event title. Toby Liang led off the rotation, notching a score of 13.70. Chase Mondi landed in fourth, a career-best for the Husker (13.95). Sam Phillips followed closely with a solid 13.70. Taylor Christopulos capitalized on the momentum after landing in second position and earning a strong 14.45 for Nebraska.
Illinois earned a team score of 68.20 on floor.
Pommel Horse
Moving to pommel horse, the Huskers set a season-best team score on the event (71.50), out-scoring the 2023 season record. Nathan York led the lineup with big energy, setting a new personal best on the event and taking fifth (14.35). Travis Wong in sixth (14.30) and Yanni Chronopoulos in second (14.45) both mirrored the energy, also setting personal-bests. In his final senior appearance, Cooper Giles pocketed an impressive 14.40 in third place for the Big Red. Christopulos hit a 14.00, a personal-best, and Phillips closed the rotation with a personal-best 13.05, respectively.
Illinois earned a score of 69.30 on pommel horse.
Rings
Nebraska earned an impressive season-best score of 69.35 on rings, as a team. Chris Hiser impressed with strength, setting a season-best 14.20 and taking the event title. James Friedman led off with a career-best 13.70, landing in fifth. Wong notched a 13.60 for the Huskers, a career-best. Sam Phillips matched his personal-best record in fourth place (13.80). Asher Cohen finished off the rotation in third overall with a career-best 14.05.
Illinois earned a score of 68.10 on still rings.
Vault
The Huskers moved to vault, putting up a score of 70.40 on the event. Chase Mondi jump started the rotation with a 14.40, while James registered a personal-best 14.50, respectively. Phillips earned a 14.20 on the event, and Tiderman collected a 14.30. Christopulos capped off the rotation with an impressive 14.75, good for the event title.
Illinois also scored a 70.40 on vault.
Parallel Bars
On parallel bars, Nebraska registered another season-best score of 69.45. Friedman led the rotation with a season-best 13.70. Cole Partridge earned a 13.45, while Cohen scored a 14.00 and took fourth place, respectively. Phillips earned another career accolade after setting a personal-best score and earning second place (14.40). Christopulos anchored the lineup with a 13.90.
Illinois put up a team score of 68.95 on the event.
High Bar
In the final event of the competition, the Huskers earned a score of 63.70. Max Odden led the lineup with a new career-best (13.85), snagging his first-career title. Partridge notched a 13.10. After suffering falls, Tiderman scored a 11.75 and Phillips scored a 11.50, respectively. Christopulos anchored the rotation with a score of 13.50.
Illinois scored a 61.10 as a team on high bar.
Up Next
Nebraska will compete in a Big Ten matchup against Ohio State on Tuesday, March 26 at the Covelli Center in Columbus, Ohio. The meet will commence at 3 p.m. (CT) and will be streamed live on B1G+. Fans can follow @HuskerMGym on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for live updates during the meet.