Maryland Basketball: Takeaways from Terrapins victory over No. 17 Illinois

Coming off consecutive double-digit losses to Rutgers and Michigan respectively, expectations were low for Maryland Basketball (10-9, 2-6 B1G) entering a home matchup versus No. 17 Illinois (13-5, 6-2 B1G). The Terrapins pulled away in the second half to earn an 81-65 victory at Xfinity Center. Maryland ended the game on an 11-0 scoring run.

Kofi Cockburn was out of the lineup for the Illini with a concussion sustained in their previous game against Purdue. Maryland’s bigs took full advantage. Donta Scott led the Terrapin attack with a career-high 25 points to go with six rebounds. Qudus Wahab added 11 points and four boards of his own, while freshman Julian Reese registered a respectable seven and five.

Maryland’s guards also had a solid night. Fatts Russell scored 15 points, brought down seven rebounds, and tallied three steals. Hakim Hart finished with 10 points, three assists, and four steals. Leading scorer Eric Ayala had nine points.

For Illinois, Alfonso Plummer led the way with 18 points on 5-11 shooting from deep. Jacob Grandson had 14 points, while Trent Frazier added 13 points and five assists. Cockburn’s absence was certainly felt as no one in the Illini frontcourt got anything going all night.

Illinois has not won a game at Maryland since 2011. They defeated the Terrapins at home on January 6, 76-64. In what has been chalked up by many to be a lost season, UMD managed to get. big win in front of the home crowd. Here are three takeaways from the 16-point victory.