Xfinity Center had the feel of a Big Ten conference game both in the stands and on the floor.
The electric atmosphere was treated to an improbable ending as the Terps stayed undefeated with a 59-58 win over Illinois.
Third rank Maryland got off to a slow start as Illinois raced out to a 13 point lead early in the first half. The Illini ball movement gave the Terps trouble from the start. The Illini were able to get into transition, in part, because of their domination on the boards. Illinois guard, Andres Feliz, led the Illini in the first half with 10 points. Kofi Cockburn controlled the boards with nine rebounds along with seven points.
On paper, the Terps have been very good on defense while the Illini had struggled on that end of the floor but the first half was a role reversal. It was the Illini who held Maryland to 30% shooting while Illinois enjoyed a good shooting half, making 16-34 (47%) from the field.
Illinois would take their largest lead (15) early in the second half Maryland would make a run after a controversial call went against them. Donta Scott would be called for a Flagrant 1 but the Illini didn’t take full advantage of the break. That’s when the Terps would go on a 6-0 run.
Senior Anthony Cowan got the Terps kicked off with a three pointer. That was followed by Cowan getting fouled on a three point attempt. He would make all three free throws bringing the Terps within nine points.
After Illinois pushed the lead back to double-digits, the Terps would make another run. This one was aided by some easy misses by the Illini coupled with Cockburn picking up his fourth foul at the 9:20 mark.
The Terps go on a 6-0 run pulling within five on a Darryl Morsell three pointer with 8:17 left.
This time it was the Illini’s turn to respond. Kipper Nichols hit a three as the shot clock was expiring. After a Cowan layup, Ayo Dosunmu scored on a short jumper. After a defensive stop that resulted in a foul, Trent Frazier would hit two free throws and the Illini were back up back nine points.
Jalen Smith’s three pointer with 2:36 left pulled the Terps within four at 57-53. Maryland would get the ball back down four after getting the ball on alternating possessions. Scott would make a short shot and the Terps were within two with 1:45 left.
After a Maryland foul in the backcourt. Frazier would only make one free throw. Cowan missed a potential game tying three pointer and Wiggins missed the follow up. Illinois wouldn’t convert on their next possession and Maryland would make Illinois pay as Cowan hit a game tying three pointer.
UNO FOR TRES ?@AnthonyCowanJr when it mattered the most! #FearTheTurtle pic.twitter.com/IClCPowgAh
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) December 8, 2019
The Illini would lose the ball and their composure on their next possession fouling Cowan with 2.1 seconds left while in the double bonus.
Cowan would make the first and intentionally missed the second for the 59-58 final.
Leaders:
Points: Frazier (Ill) – 13; Cowan (MD) – 20
Rebounds: Williams/Cockburn (Ill) – 8; Smith (MD) – 13
Assists: Dosunmu (Ill) 3; Cowan (MD) – 6
Maryland Press Conference
Illinois Press Conference
