For the second straight season, the battle between the Terps and Fighting Illini came down to the wire. Maryland entered the fourth quarter ahead, but Illinois took the lead with 5:39 to play and never gave it up.
Maryland failed to take the lead in the final minute despite multiple opportunities, with one final chance at the end of regulation.
After forcing an Illinois turnover, the Terps had one final opportunity, down three, to force overtime. They looked to Poffenbarger, their best player all game, whose pump fake got her past the defense, but her three-point shot was just off, meaning that Illinois handed the Terps their first loss of the season, 73-70 at State Farm Center.
No. 7 Maryland women’s basketball spent its New Year’s Day on the road looking to avenge last season’s close loss against Illinois.
Last season, the Fighting Illini picked up their first victory over the Terps in program history by only one point. This game ultimately came down to the final possession once again.
Both teams suffered foul trouble early, forcing Maryland (14-1, 2-1 Big Ten) to rely on its bench more than usual. The fourth quarter came down to the final minute where the Illinois defense reigned supreme. They made big stops and drew offensive fouls to hand Maryland its first loss of the season.
“We’ve got to be better when you see things not go our way with the foul trouble that we had,” said Maryland head coach Brenda Frese. “This is what it’s going to look like every time we step out on the floor in Big Ten play.”
Illinois (13-1, 3-0 Big Ten) played a limited rotation, but those who played dominated. Berry Wallace had 22 points and seven rebounds, Cearah Parchment had 17 and eight rebounds and Gretchen Dolan had 17 of her own.
“Shauna and her staff are so good, I mean, they’re building something really special.” Frese said about Illinois head coach Shauna Green. “She’s got them playing hard on both ends.”
Despite the loss, Saylor Poffenbarger had a great game. She finished with 15 points alongside eight rebounds and six assists, playing like the all-around weapon she has been all season long.
As the first quarter progressed, the Terps were playing sloppy basketball with eight team fouls and seven turnovers. Illinois had similar foul trouble, allowing Maryland to stay ahead as the second quarter began.
“I think we didn’t play our basketball for enough time this game,” said Maryland guard Yarden Garzon.
Maryland’s foul trouble continued as they had four players with at least two fouls as they headed into the second half leading by five.
The third quarter was very evenly matched up between the teams and Illinois closed the gap, only being down three, leaving the fourth quarter up for grabs.
But entering the fourth quarter with the lead wasn’t enough. The up-and-coming Fighting Illini program held off a last-minute comeback attempt for the Terps to earn a statement win, handing Maryland its first loss.
“I’m hopeful that, you know, this is an early game in January that we’ll be able to learn from and be able to get a lot better,” Frese said.
The Terps look to bounce back on Sunday as they return to the Xfinity Center to face Indiana.
