CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illini fans had even more reason to celebrate on Thursday following an already triumphant week.

Hot on the heels of the Illinois football team’s victory over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl, the Illinois women’s basketball team delivered an impressive performance on home turf. They secured a thrilling 73-70 win against the seventh-ranked Maryland at the State Farm Center in Champaign.

This win propels the Illini to a stellar 13-1 record, maintaining an undefeated 3-0 stance in Big Ten play, while extending their winning streak to 11 games. Maryland arrived in Champaign boasting a flawless 14-0 record before the face-off.

Sophomore forward Berry Wallace was a standout player for Illinois, leading the charge with 22 points. Redshirt sophomore guard Gretchen Dolan and freshman center Cearah Parchment each contributed significantly with 17 points. Parchment also stood out on the boards, pulling down eight rebounds.

Despite trailing by five points at halftime, the Illini narrowed the gap to two by the end of the third quarter. They seized the lead early in the fourth, maintaining their advantage for the remainder of the game. A crucial late-game block by Wallace and Parchment highlighted a series of pivotal defensive plays in the dramatic final 20 seconds.

Illinois women’s basketball hopes to continue its hot streak on Sunday, Jan. 4 at Michigan State.