Illini's Fall: No. 17 Illinois Drops to Maryland Despite Absence of Ivišić

Summary: The Illinois Fighting Illini, ranked 17th in the preseason, suffered an unexpected loss to the Maryland Terrapins on Tuesday night, despite the absence of standout player Petra Ivišić. The loss raises questions about the team's prospects for the season.

A Disappointing Start

The Illini entered the season with high hopes after a successful 2022 campaign that saw them reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. However, they have struggled to live up to those expectations so far, losing two of their first four games.

Tuesday's loss to Maryland was particularly disappointing, as the Terrapins were unranked and had lost their previous two games. The Illini were also without Ivišić, their leading scorer from last season, who was out with an injury.

Ivišić's Absence

Ivišić's absence was a significant blow to the Illini. The senior guard is one of the most dynamic players in the Big Ten, averaging 16.4 points and 4.1 assists per game last season.

Without Ivišić, the Illini struggled to create offense. They shot just 38.5% from the field and 26.7% from three-point range. They also committed 15 turnovers, which led to 18 points for Maryland.

Defensive Lapses

In addition to their offensive struggles, the Illini also had problems on the defensive end. They allowed Maryland to shoot 48.1% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range.

The Terrapins also had a significant advantage on the boards, outrebounding the Illini 39-28. This allowed them to control the tempo of the game and limit the Illini's second-chance opportunities.

Different Perspectives

There are different perspectives on why the Illini have struggled so far this season. Some believe that Ivišić's absence is the main reason, while others point to the team's overall lack of experience.

The Illini have four new starters this season, including two freshmen. It is taking some time for them to adjust to the college game and learn to play together.

What's Next?

The Illini will look to bounce back from their loss to Maryland when they host the No. 13 Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday. It will be a tough test for the Illini, but it is also an opportunity for them to prove that they are still a contender in the Big Ten.

Conclusion

The Illini's loss to Maryland was a disappointing setback, but it is not time to panic. The team is still young and has a lot of potential. With Ivišić expected to return soon, the Illini should be able to turn things around and make a run in the Big Ten.