Illinois Hands Maryland Its First Loss of the Season
In a nail-biting game on January 1st, the University of Illinois surprised No. 7 Maryland with a strong fourth-quarter performance, winning 73-70. This defeat marked Maryland’s first loss of the season.
Sophomore Berry Wallace led Illinois with 22 points and seven rebounds. For Maryland, Yarden Garzon was a standout, scoring 17 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Saylor Poffenbarger assisted the offense with 15 points and a career-high six assists.
The game started smoothly for Maryland, who led 39-34 at halftime. But Illinois rallied in the fourth quarter, going on a 10-1 run to take the lead. This sudden surge shifted the momentum, and despite Maryland fighting back, Illinois held on to secure the win.
Maryland dominated the boards, out-rebounding Illinois 39-30. They also scored 42 points in the paint and saw solid contributions from their bench with 16 points. However, in the closing moments, Illinois converted two free throws to seal their victory.
Player Highlights
- Yarden Garzon: Continues her scoring streak, hitting double figures for the 11th time this season.
- Saylor Poffenbarger: Tied her career high with six assists, adding 15 points.
- Oluchi Okananwa: Scored 12 points, marking her sixth consecutive game in double-digit scoring.
Quick Stats
- Illinois led during critical moments: The fourth quarter saw them surge ahead and maintain their lead.
- Maryland’s wins before this game: They had been riding high on a winning streak, but this loss serves as a reminder of the competitiveness in the Big Ten Conference.
Looking ahead, Maryland will face Indiana on January 4th, where they’ll celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 2006 National Championship team. As they return home, the team will aim to bounce back strong against their upcoming opponent.
Conclusion
This game underscores the unpredictability of college basketball. Teams often rise and fall, showcasing the thrilling nature of the sport. As fans, we look forward to each twist and turn in this exciting season.
For more detailed analysis and statistics, check out NCAA Women’s Basketball.
