As the 2025-26 regular season came to an end, No. 11 University of Illinois (24-7, 15-5) ended its season with a win against the University of Maryland (11-20, 4-16), 78 to 72. Illinois secured a spot in the quarter finals of the Big Ten Tournament, becoming one of the top 4 teams in the conference.
Takeaways
Illinois: The Illini and the Terrapins were battling all afternoon as no team could get a lead in the first half. There were four lead changes throughout the first half, and Illinois could only get a three-point lead at halftime. Freshman forward David Mirkovic led Illinois in the first half with 13 points. Illinois kept it aggressive on defense as they stole the ball five times in the first half.
After halftime, it was still a close game, but midway through the second half, Illinois began to pull away. After a three-pointer from senior guard Ben Humrichous, a jumper by Mirkovic, and a pair of free throws by junior center Zvonimir Ivisic gave Illinois the largest lead of the game. Even though Maryland put together a run, Illinois junior guard Andre Stojakovic clinched the win with four free throws to end the game.
Mirkovic led the team with 22 points and 11 rebounds, recording his seventh double-double of the season
Maryland: Although no team was able to keep momentum on its side, Maryland kept its confidence as it was within striking distance of Illinois. Maryland could’ve taken control of the game, but Illinois forced seven turnovers to keep the Terrapins from getting the lead heading into halftime.
In the second half, freshman guard Andre Mills caught fire as he led Maryland with 19 points. Mills tried to keep Maryland in the game, but it was not enough, as only three other players could score in the second half. Mills ended the game with 30 points and four rebounds. They will try to redeem themselves in the Big Ten Tournament when they play Oregon in the first round on March 10th.
Up Next
The Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball team will prepare for the Big Ten Tournament, which will begin on Tuesday, March 10. Illinois will play its first tournament game on Friday, March 13.