Malcom Hill’s Career-High 28 Points Leads Illini to Victory Over Maryland
Sophomore, Jaylon Tate (1) shoots a lay up against Maryland. (Photo: Rob McColley)
Malcolm Hill led the Fighting Illini to a 64-57 upset over the 11th-ranked Maryland Terrapins last night, scoring a career-high 28 points. Nnanna Egwu added another 11 — plus nine rebounds —last night at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
Point-guard Jaylon Tate got his first career start, in place of Ahmad Starks. Tate finished with ten points and four assists, and converted all four free-throws in the game's final minute, to preserve the win.
Melo Trimble led the Terrapins with 17 points and 4 assists.
Illinois' leading scorer and rebounder — Champaign Centennial graduate Rayvonte Rice — did not attend the game. He was recovering from what Coach John Groce described as a "successful surgery" on his non-shooting hand.
Hill said Rice was among the first to congratulate the team on its victory, via text message.
Rice's injury happened Monday night. Groce declined to predict when Rice will return.
Illinois is now 11-5 for the year, 1-2 in the Big Ten. Maryland drops to 14-2 overall, 2-1 in conference.
The Illini return to action Sunday night at Nebraska.