The women's Illinois basketball program just pulled off a massive upset to start the new year, taking down No.7 Maryland in Champaign by a score of 73-70.
The Illini, who were on a 10-game winning streak heading into this contest, kept within striking distance for the entirety of this game. They walked into the State Farm Center as 10.5-point underdogs against one of the top teams in the country, and showed the world why they are the real deal this season.
It was an epic statement win for Shauna Green's bunch. They needed a marquee win after a very easy schedule to help show the world that they mean business. But from this bout, what are some key takeaways that we should look at as we look forward to Michigan State this Sunday?
1. Illinois' frontcourt just proved they are a legitimate power
Prior to this matchup, one of my biggest questions for this game was whether Illinois' frontcourt could contend with a more experienced Maryland squad. Berry Wallace and Cearah Parchment have been absolutely sensational this season, but they haven't met a match like the established bigs of the Terrapins.
That question was certainly smashed to pieces Thursday in Champaign after what Wallace and Parchment did at the State Farm Center. In 75 combined minutes for these two, Parchment and Wallace combined for 39 points, 15 rebounds, and three assists. They even went to work from long range as well, shooting 38% (3-of-8) from beyond the three-point arc.
Sure, it's hard to really say that Wallace has arrived after what she's shown us since joining the Illinois program, but for weeks, I have said that these two are one of the best frontcourts in the nation. On Thursday, they proved just that against a very stout Maryland defense.
2. The Illini kept it close against one of the best rebounding teams in the country
If Illinois' work on the boards wasn't a major concern for you, then you haven't been paying attention. There are games that can be won and lost on the glass, and that is certainly the case when you face a team like Maryland.
Prior to the start of this game, head coach Brenda Frese's Terrapins were blowing teams out on the glass, out-rebounding their opposition by an average of 16.5 rebounds per game. They have been dominant on both ends of the floor, led by guard Saylor Poffenbarger with 6.1, Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu with 5.8, and Oluchi Okananwa with 5.4 rebounds per game.
But on Thursday, the Illini were able to hold the No. 2 rebounding team in the country in check. They kept Maryland from bullying them on the glass to the tune of 39-30. The toughness of Illinois ended up throwing Maryland off their game just enough for Illinois to capitalize on the offensive side of the ball.
3. Illinois' free throw shooting came in clutch at the right time
They call them free for a reason. This is one of those phrases that should ring true with every ballplayer across the country. When you go to the line, you should have the tools and the composure to sink every shot that you're entitled to.
That is exactly what the Illini did against Maryland. Illinois, who is No. 1 in the country with an 87.2% free throw percentage, only missed three of their 23 shots from the charity stripe. They converted on 87% of their free throw attempts, with Wallace, Destiny Jackson, and Gretchen Dolan going 11-of-11 from the line.
This was a huge win for Illinois. When you are face-to-face with a talented team like Maryland, you need to capitalize on every opportunity that is brought your way. If they are going to send you to the line 23 times, then you need to make them pay for it.
That is exactly what Illinois did on Thursday in a pivotal Big Ten match-up, and I couldn't be prouder as a fan!