A big statement from the Illini.
CHAMPAIGN Ill.— An absolute statement win at home.
The Fighting Illini beat No. 7 Maryland Terrapins 73-70 on New Year’s Day at the State Farm Center.
This was head coach Shauna Green’s highest ranked win ever as Illinois head coach and the Illini’s first win over a top 10 ranked opponent since 2014.
This is Maryland’s first loss of the season putting an end to its 14-0 start. This victory also gives Illinois its best start in program history through 14 games.
The Illini (13-1, 3-0) were led by strong play by their stars sophomore Berry Wallace, junior Gretchen Dolan, and freshman Cearah Parchment.
This game was close throughout, with no team ever leading by more than seven points and each team constantly going blow for blow with one another.
Ultimately the deciding factor was the Illini’s ability to force turnovers, especially down the stretch. Maryland turned the ball over 18 times compared to only 12 by Illinois.
In the last 30 seconds, Parchment drew a charge and had a major block on back to back possessions defensively. Then the Illini drew an illegal screen on Terrapin guard Yarden Garzon with 10 seconds left to help seal the game.
Illinois also continues to excel at the free throw line. As a team the Illini are leading the Big 10 in free throw percentage at 83%, but they raised that number today shooting 87% on 23 attempts.
Sophomore Aaliyah Guyton had a great game off the bench in extended minutes due to foul trouble with other point guards. Despite not scoring a point, she logged 18 minutes and was very productive handling the ball and playing stellar defense.
Moments that mattered
Destiny Jackson to Berry Wallace for three.
Gretchen Dolan with a tough lay.
Good ball movement results in a Jasmine Brown-Hagger three ball.
Stat stuffers
- Berry Wallace finished with 22 points and 7 rebounds.
- Cearah Parchemnt finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds.
- Gretchen Dolan has 17 points.
- Illinois has only two wins ever against Maryland. Both have happened under Shauna Green in the last two seasons.
What’s next?
The Illini with travel to East Lansing to play the No. 24 ranked Michigan State Spartans on Sunday at 11 a.m.
Illinois is also hoping to be ranked in the top 25 for this first time since February 2025.
Category: General Sports
