No. 7 Maryland, No. 5 LSU are no longer undefeated thanks to the clutch play of Illinois, No. 11 Kentucky

The first day of 2026 gave us a pair of upsets in women’s college basketball.

First, unranked Illinois beat previously undefeated No. 7 Maryland, 73-70. Then, No. 11 Kentucky handed No. 5 LSU their first loss of the season, beating them 80-78.

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Illinois beats Maryland—once again

Last year, Illinois beat Maryland in a 66-65 nail-biter late in the Big Ten season. This year, they do it again, but this time on New Year’s Day.

But, taking down Maryland wasn’t easy for the Illini. Maryland led for most of the contest and dominated inside, outrebounding Illinois 39-30 and outscoring them 42-28 in the paint.

With 2:37 left in the final quarter, Gretchen Dolan gave Illinois a one-point lead, and they remained in front the rest of the way. Both teams exchanged pairs of made free throws, and after Dolan missed a layup, the Terrapins suddenly had a chance to take the lead.

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However, Yarden Garzon made a careless pass inside the paint and Illinois not only regained possesion, but was fouled while doing so. Turnovers were a struggle for Maryland all night long as they committed 18 of them.

With 15 seconds to go, Berry Wallace sank her two shots from the charity stripe to put Illinois up, 73-70. Each team then committed a couple of careless turnovers, and after Saylor Poffenbarger missed a last-second 3-pointer that would’ve sent the game to overtime, Illinois celebrated their first win over a ranked opponent in nearly 11 months.

Wallace was magnificent for Illinois. She had a game-high 22 points along with seven rebounds and three assists. Cearah Parchment and Dolan were the other players who were in double figures for the Fighting Illini. Both scored 17 points.

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Garzon had a couple of key turnovers late, but she was also a main reason why the Terps were still in this game down the stretch. She ended the night with 17 points.

Illinois will now face another ranked Big Ten opponent, with No. 24 Michigan State up next, and Maryland will play Indiana.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/maryland-lsu-no-longer-undefeated-110000618.html

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Publish date : 2026-01-02 11:00:00

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