"Illinois Shocks No. 14 Maryland in Historic Upset—Last-Second Free Throws Seal the Deal!"

     Illinois Fighting Illini Stun Maryland Terrapins – Game Highlights

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Illinois made history on Sunday with a dramatic 66-65 victory over No. 14 Maryland, marking the program’s first-ever win against the Terrapins.

Genesis Bryant played the hero, sinking two clutch free throws with just 6.3 seconds left to secure the win. The Illini had never beaten Maryland before, going 0-17 in previous matchups.

The game came down to the wire. Maryland took a one-point lead when Shyanne Sellers scored inside with 13.9 seconds remaining. But Bryant responded, driving hard to the basket, drawing a foul, and calmly draining both free throws.

Maryland had one last chance to pull out the win. Sellers’ initial attempt missed, but the Terps retained possession after the ball went out of bounds with 1.8 seconds left. Sellers got another shot from the baseline, but it didn’t fall, sealing Illinois’ historic victory.

The loss spoiled Maryland coach Brenda Frese’s bid for her 600th career win with the program and put a damper on the team’s senior day celebration. The Terps (17-5, 7-4 Big Ten) have now lost four of their last five games.

Meanwhile, Illinois (17-5, 7-4) is on a roll, extending its winning streak to four games. Bryant led the way with 20 points, while Brynn Shoup-Hill hit a crucial three-pointer with 45.6 seconds left to put Illinois up 64-63. Maryland had a chance to respond, but Sarah Te-Biasu missed an open three. The Illini nearly let the game slip away when Berry Wallace turned the ball over against Maryland’s defensive pressure, leading to Sellers’ go-ahead basket before Bryant’s game-winning free throws.

Kaylene Smikle paced Maryland with 15 points. The Terps led 32-30 at halftime and built a nine-point lead in the third quarter, even overcoming a brief injury scare when Sellers took a hard fall. But Illinois fought back with a 10-0 run to keep it close.

Next up, Illinois will host Northwestern on Thursday, while Maryland heads to the West Coast for matchups against Oregon on Thursday and Washington on Sunday.