Illinois’ two-game win streak ends at Maryland

COLLEGE PARK, MD. — After coming out victorious in back to back must-win Big Ten games, Illinois women’s hoops fell 90-82 to a tough Maryland squad on the road on Saturday.

In a game that many thought could revive an unforeseen season for the Illini, they fell to the bottom four in the Big Ten as of Sunday morning.

The Illini (8-9, 2-5 Big Ten) lost to Maryland (12-6, 4-3 Big Ten) despite setting a new program record for most makes while shooting 100% from the charity stripe (16-for-16). The offense came to play, but Illinois’ defense could not contain Maryland’s starting guards who combined for a total of 44 points.

Mid-range jumpers with a side of second chance buckets was the recipe for success for Illinois in the first quarter. Adalia Mckenzie was an early problem for Maryland, torching them all around the rim. However, on the other end of the floor, the Terrapins’ Bri McDaniel was giving Illinois even more fits hanging a quick 12 on them.

The first half was all…