Illini Basketball Dominates Terrapins Behind Stojakovic’s 30-Point Performance
No. 11 Illinois defeated Maryland 89-70 on Wednesday night in Champaign, extending its winning streak to eight consecutive games and improving to 16-3 overall and 7-1 in Big Ten play.
Andrej Stojakovic led all scorers with 30 points for the Fighting Illini, showcasing the offensive firepower that has fueled their recent success. Illinois basketball proved too much for the Terrapins, who fell to 8-11 overall and 1-7 in conference play with the loss.
Illinois Basketball Dominates Early
Illinois took control with a 47-30 halftime lead, launching a devastating 21-2 run late in the first half to establish command. The Illini basketball team showcased its perimeter prowess by connecting on 15 three-pointers throughout the game, with Stojakovic accounting for 11 of his first 22 points in the opening half.
Maryland mounted some resistance early, starting 6-of-7 from the floor and briefly leading 24-19 before Illinois seized momentum. Solomon Washington recorded a double-double for Maryland with 13 points and 10 rebounds, but it proved insufficient against the Illini’s balanced attack.
Second-Half Dominance
The Fighting Illini never relinquished their advantage in the second half, maintaining control throughout. Andre Mills added 16 points off the bench for Illinois, while teammate David Coit led Maryland with 15 points. Mills scored in double figures for his ninth time this season as a freshman.
Illinois’ balanced scoring attack and defensive intensity proved decisive. The seventh-ranked NET team continues its impressive run heading into its next conference matchup, while Maryland prepares for a road trip to face No. 10 Michigan State on Saturday.
