After a 7-0 start to their season, #22 Maryland returns home for their first conference game and biggest test so far against #16 Illinois. The Fighting Illini currently hold a 6-1 (0-0) record, with their only loss coming to Virginia in the Continental Tire Main Event tournament. Their best victory came during that tournament, as they knocked off UCLA. Brad Underwood is in his sixth season as their head coach, and earned them a four-seed in last year's NCAA Tournament. They made it to the second round before being eliminated by Houston.
Illinois is led by senior Texas Tech transfer guard Terrence Shannon, Jr., who is averaging 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Sophomore Baylor transfer forward Dain Dainja and Norfolk, VA native freshman guard Jayden Epps are also averaging double-digit scoring. The Fighting Illini run with a ton of tempo offensively and are very strong on the defensive end, so this will be an interesting matchup for Kevin Willard and Maryland.
KenPom Rankings
- Maryland: #20 (#17 AdjO, #33 AdjD; #198 AdjT)
- Illinois: #17 (#39 AdjO, #9 AdjD; #15 AdjT)