CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Illinois women’s basketball delivered a statement win Thursday night inside State Farm Center, knocking off No. 7/6 Maryland 73–70 to extend its winning streak to 11 games and tie the longest run in program history.
The victory marked several milestones for the Illini. It was Illinois’ highest-ranked Big Ten win ever, its first 3–0 conference start since the 1999–2000 season, and the program’s first home win over Maryland. Illinois had not beaten a team ranked seventh or higher since defeating No. 6 Georgia on Dec. 28, 2012.
Berry Wallace led the way with a game-high 22 points and seven rebounds, recording her seventh 20-point performance of the season. Cearah Parchment added a well-rounded effort with 17 points, eight rebounds, three steals and three blocks, while Gretchen Dolan chipped in 17 points of her own as Illinois placed three players in double figures.
Illinois controlled key areas despite trailing for much of the game. The Illini collected 11 offensive rebounds, led by four from Parchment, turning those extra possessions into 16 second-chance points. Defensively, Illinois forced 18 Maryland turnovers while committing just 12, converting those takeaways into 12 points.
Maryland led 20–16 after the first quarter and carried a 39–34 advantage into halftime. Illinois broke through in the third quarter with a 6–0 run capped by a Jasmine Brown-Hagger basket to take its first lead at 42–41, though the Terrapins reclaimed a 54–52 edge heading into the final period.
The Illini surged late in the fourth quarter. After Maryland built a 60–55 lead, Illinois responded with a decisive 7–0 run, highlighted by Brown-Hagger’s corner three-pointer to tie the game and Destiny Jackson’s free throws that put Illinois ahead for good. Illinois sealed the win at the line and with four forced turnovers down the stretch.
Under head coach Shauna Green, Illinois improved to 10–0 at home this season and 48–11 all-time at State Farm Center during her tenure. Green now owns the third-most Big Ten wins by a head coach in program history and the Illini have won their last two meetings against Maryland.
With the victory, Illinois moved to 13–1 overall and continued its best start through 14 games in program history.
