Following their victory over Michigan, Maryland will travel to Champaign for a Sunday afternoon matchup against Illinois. After starting the year ranked #25, the Fighting Illini have climbed all the way to #10 and currently hold a 12-3 (3-1) record. Their three losses came to Marquette, Tennessee, and Purdue, while their best victories came against Florida Atlantic and Michigan State. After starting the first 11 games of the season, star guard Terrence Shannon, Jr. was suspended indefinitely after being charged with rape. At the time of his suspension, he was averaging 22 points per game and shooting 51% from the field, including 41% from beyond the arc.
Despite losing Shannon, Jr., Illinois has recorded victories over Northwestern and Michigan State, while losing by just five points on the road to Purdue. Wisconsin transfer Marcus Domask has picked up a good bit of the scoring slack, averaging 21 points over the last four games.
Since joining the Big Ten, Maryland has dominated this series, winning 9 of the 12 meetings with Illinois. The Terps also lead the all-time series, 14-7.
KenPom Rankings
- Maryland: #77 (#180 AdjO, #25 AdjD; #299 AdjT)
- Illinois: #9 (#7 AdjO, #20 AdjD; #84 AdjT)
