Big second half allows Illini to best #11 Maryland 64-57 in first game after Rice injury

Illinois Fighting Illini (2004 - 2013)

CHAMPAIGN—Illinois wondered who would score with Rayvonte Rice injured, and Malcolm Hill provided the answer Wednesday with a career-high 28 points in a 64-57 upset over No. 11 Maryland.Hill turned it on in the second half with 18 points. The sophomore’s hot hand fueled a 20-3 run that the Illini (11-5, 1-2) used to take over the game.Rice is Illinois’ leading scorer and rebounder but will be out up to six weeks after breaking his left hand this week in practice. His loss left Illinois looking at possibility of a 0-3 conference start with its next two games on the road.Hill added seven rebounds. Nnanna Egwu led Illinois with nine.Melo Trimble led the cold-shooting Terrapins (14-2, 2-1 Big Ten) with 17 points. Maryland shot just 36.5 percent from the field.