By Mitchell Rans
Sports Capital Journalism Program
INDIANAPOLIS – The Maryland Terrapins and Michigan Wolverines reached semifinal games of the Big Ten men’s basketball tournament with overwhelming victories on Friday night.
The second-seeded Terrapins (25-7) advanced with a 88-65 victory over Illinois, while the third-seeded Wolverines (23-9) beat Purdue 86-68.
The Terrapins forced 17 Illinois turnovers, including 12 steals, while committing just three turnovers. The Terrapin defense also held the Illini to 6-for-27 shooting from 3-point range. Rodney Rice led Maryland with 26 points while recently named Big Ten Freshman of the Year Derik Queen had 19 points, 10 rebounds, and two steals.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie finished with 12 points, nine assists, and two steals and Julian Reese also was in double figures for the Terrapins with 10 points and off the bench. Jordan Geronimo scored 10 points with a team high five steals. Maryland was able to play very well after earning a double bye, something that Geronimo said was key for them coming into this game.
“We just focused in practice,” Geronimo said. “Coach Willard does a great job making sure that we stay sharp in practice and knowing that we haven’t performed well after long breaks. We were conscious about that, and we was able to lock in and do what we have to do to get this W today.”
The Wolverines were also very efficient, committing just six turnovers. The Wolverines were able to win the rebound battle 40-34 and also had 25 assists. Michigan had lost its previous three games and four of the last six.
Michigan was led by Danny Wolf who finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, Vladislav Goldin had 15 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, and Tre Donaldson had 13 points with five assists and two steals. Roddy Gayle Jr. also would get 11 points off the bench for Michigan. While the Wolverines were able to get the victory against Purdue, they knew they will face another hard battle with the Terrapins. Michigan’s next-to-last regular season game was a 71-65 loss to Maryland.
“Maryland’s a great team, great size up front,” Wolf said of the semifinal matchup. “I thought we played — I mean, it was an interesting game in Ann Arbor. It was an up-and-down game, we cut it close. I just don’t think we were hitting shots, and we were turning the ball over way too much. Just excited for the game tomorrow. It’s a great opportunity to play on a great platform. I know the coaches are going to give us a good game plan. If we just follow that, I like our chances.”
