Big Ten Daily (Jan. 15): Reese, Young Lead Maryland to Rare Road Upset over Illinois

Maryland, just 1-11 in its last 12 Big Ten road games, upset No. 10 Illinois at the State Farm Center on Sunday. It was the Terrapins' first road game victory over a top-10 opponent since 2020. Jahmir Young scored 28 and Julian Reese ended with a double-double.

Maryland might have pulled off one of the most unlikely upsets of the Big Ten season thus far. The Terrapins, just 1-11 in their last 12 conference road games, waltzed into State Farm Center on Sunday and picked up a critical 76-67 victory over No. 10 Illinois. Julian Reese and Jahmir Young played influential roles.

Reese finished the game with a double-double, scoring 20 points and collecting 11 rebounds in the win. Young led all scorers with 28 points, and was also responsible for eight assists. 

The Terrapins were on a six-game road losing streak in conference games, dating back to last season. They also were off to a sluggish start, sitting at 10-6 (2-3 in the Big Ten) prior to Sunday's win over the Illini.

Meanwhile, Illinois had lost just one home game this season, a 71-64 decision to then-No. 4 Marquette.

"Good road win," Young said following the win. "Was able to play together, everybody contributed. Everyone was locked in from the jump. Glad to come out with a road win."

First top-10 road win since Dec. 28, 2020!

Watch it: https://t.co/6PAzRREtf5
Read about it: https://t.co/GDQ1iwbs2h pic.twitter.com/BDPEscWlhB

— Maryland Men’s Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) January 14, 2024

Former Indiana forward Jordan Geronimo also broke out of his slump at State Farm Center. The 6-foot-6 senior scored nine points after finishing the last two games scoreless. He also collected four rebounds and knocked down an important 3-point shot, only his second make in 25 attempts this year.

Illinois became the first team in the top-seven of the Big Ten standings to lose a home game this season. But that wasn't the only disappointing stat to come from Sunday's tilt.

Maryland has now won 10 of its last 12 games against Illinois, including each of the last three matchups. To put it matter-of-factly, the Terrapins own the Fighting Illini.

Sunday's win also marked the first time the Terrapins have defeated a top-10 opponent on the road in over three years. The last win came against No. 6 Wisconsin on Dec. 28, 2020.

Prior to the start of the season, Maryland was projected to be a top-four team in the Big Ten. Through the first few weeks of the conference schedule, it has looked like a bottom-four squad.

Could Sunday's road win over the Illini spark some momentum and get the Terps rolling? They've got two important games coming up, playing Northwestern on the road on Wednesday before returning home to play Michigan State on Sunday.

If Kevin Willard's team can rip off a pair of wins this week, we might start looking at Maryland a little bit differently.

Steven Izzo Scores First Career Points

It took five years, but Steven Izzo has finally scored his first career points at Michigan State. The fifth-year senior and son of Spartans coach Tom Izzo got his first bucket in Sunday's 73-55 victory over Rutgers.

Fans nearly blew the roof off the Breslin Center after the shot went through the net. Steven went about it the hard way, throwing up a prayer while getting fouled. The ball bounced around the rim a few times before finally finding its way to the bottom of the well.

HE DID IT. STEVEN IZZO REALLY DID IT HOLY SHIT pic.twitter.com/7W9vMlOmI9

— Barstool Spartans (@BarstoolMSU) January 14, 2024

Fans went crazy. Teammates rushed the floor. It was truly one of the coolest moments for the Spartans this season. It was also special for Tom.

"If you're a parent, it's just one of those times that, what I was most excited about wasn't for him as much as I was excited that our players and our fans cared so much about him that they made that more special for me," he said of Steven's big moment. "It was something I'll never forget."

To make the moment even better, Steven knocked down the free throw, ending the game with three points. 

J.J. McCarthy to the NFL

J.J. McCarthy's time at Michigan has come to an end. The quarterback announced his plans to enter the 2024 NFL Draft on Sunday, leaving Ann Arbor on a high note.

McCarthy was 27-1 as the starter for the Wolverines. He was part of three Big Ten championship teams and led Michigan to its first outright national title since 1948 this season. 

"After three incredible years at the University of Michigan, I have decided to enter the 2024 NFL Draft," McCarthy wrote.

“I have talked to many in and out of football, including my family, coach Harbaugh, and many who’s opinions I greatly admire and respect. This decision was not easy and how could it be — I love my teammates, I love my coaches and I love it here in Ann Arbor.”

McCarthy threw for 2,991 yards and 22 touchdowns with just four interceptions during the 2023 season. He maintained a 72.3% completion rate. The quarterback also rushed for 202 yards and three additional scores.

In his three seasons at Michigan, McCarthy accounted for 6,226 passing yards and 49 touchdowns through the air. He also racked up 632 yards on the ground a 10 rushing touchdowns.

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