Illini Defeat Tough Opponent Then Suffer Shooting Woes

On Wednesday, January 7th Illinois toppled the very tough and fundamental college basketball team, the Maryland Terrapins, 64-57.

What makes this win so incredible is that Maryland was number 11 in the nation at the time of the game. This, couple with the fact that Illinois had just lost their leading scorer Rayvonte Rice due to a fracture in his wrist, makes this game a very, very good win for the Illini.

With all of the odds against them, they needed a leader, and they found one in sophomore Malcolm Hill. Hill scored a career high 28 points with most of them coming in the second half to give the Illini a late lead.

Senior Nnanna Egwu also had a very big game for the Illini, he recorded 9 points and 11 rebounds to go along with his 4 blocks. He anchored the defensive side of the ball while Hill shouldered the offensive load.

Unfortunately, the Illini followed this stunning win with one of their worst performances of the season against Nebraska. The Illini lost 53-43 and only shot a shocking 27.3 percent from the field.

Next up for the Illini is Northwestern, on January 14th, 2015.