Maryland women beat Illinois 75-65 in the Big Ten Tournament for 17th straight series victory
Maryland guard Shyanne Sellers (0) shoots over Illinois guard Makira Cook during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Big Ten women's tournament Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Abbie Parr
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Bri McDaniel had 20 points, 10 rebounds and three steals, Jakia Brown-Turner added 14 points and eight boards, and No. 8 seed Maryland beat ninth-seeded Illinois 75-65 on Thursday in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.
Maryland trailed 24-10 after the first quarter before rallying for its largest comeback victory of the season — and its 17th straight victory in the series.
Shyanne Sellers, Maryland’s leading scorer, fouled out with 3:33 left in the fourth quarter but Illinois could not take advantage. The Terrapins scored on their next three possessions to extend their lead to 70-63.
Illinois only made one field goal, Camille Hobby’s layup with 25 seconds left, in the final 4:30.
Maryland (18-12) advances to the quarterfinals on Friday against top-seeded and fourth-ranked Ohio State. The Terrapins lost both regular-season meetings, 84-76 on Jan. 17 followed by 79-66 on Feb. 25.
Allie Kubek scored 13 points, Brinae Alexander had 12 and Sellers finished with 11 points and eight assists for Maryland.
Makira Cook led Illinois (14-15) with 17 points and eight assists, and Kendall Bostic had 11 points and 11 rebounds. Camille Hobby scored 16 points and Genesis Bryant added 13.
Maryland guard Shyanne Sellers (0) looks to shoot as Illinois guard Genesis Bryant (1) and center Camille Hobby (41) defend during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Big Ten women's tournament Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Abbie Parr
Illinois shot 69% in the first quarter to take the 14-point lead but finished at 40% (27 of 67) with 16 turnovers. The Illini lost the lead for good when Maryland closed the third quarter on an 11-0 run, with four points apiece from Brown-Turner and Sellers.
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