Thanks to an unwavering performance from Trayce Jackson-Davis on both ends of the floor, IU (22-10, 13-8 B1G) dispatched Maryland (21-12, 12-10 B1G), 70-60, in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center. IU will take on Penn St. in the semifinals on Saturday (3:30p ET, CBS).
Trayce Jackson-Davis tonight vs. Maryland
38 MIN 24 PTS 9 REB 7 AST 4 BLK 3 STL 8/13 FG 8/13 FT +14 W
Hoosier Nation made sure their voices were heard in Chicago.
Indiana boos drowned out the Maryland introductions, and IU’s fans immediately became a factor, bringing an elevated intensity. The Hoosiers came out firing and ready to play, shooting five-for-five from the field while building early momentum. Fast-paced play and transition offense set the tone for the game.
Maryland woke up midway through the first half and went on a run that put them ahead by seven. Six different Terps scored during the surge. IU’s offense struggled to put the ball in the basket, going on a 5:09 drought. Additionally, Jackson-Davis missed three of his four free throws.
Woodson tried to switch it up by mixing up the lineups by giving Jordan Geronimo, Tamar Bates, and Malik Reneau some early minutes. Jalen Hood-Schifino’s maturity and calm nature shined, as he got IU’s offense back on their feet and into the game. He led the Hoosiers in scoring for the half with 10.
The Hoosiers went on a four-point scoring run to finish the half down by two, 34-32.
The Terrapins offense struck first early in the second half and got out to a seven-point lead. The Hoosiers tallied three fouls and started to lose momentum. Then, Miller Kopp nailed a three from the corner, sending every Hoosier fan to their feet.
WHAT THE HOOSIERS NEEDED. 3 from Kopp, his second tonight#iubb
Soon after, Jackson-Davis went up for a huge block that turned into a Hood-Schifino full-court layup. The Hoosiers tied the Terrapins at 43. Malik Reneau also erupted into the spotlight as a game-changer. Reneau finished with a career-high eleven rebounds, chipping in eight points.
Julian Reese of the Terrapins tallied four fouls through the first 30 minutes of the contest, limiting his remaining minutes. Jackson-Davis and the Hoosiers capitalized on the short-handed Terps inside and broke off a massive 20-2 scoring run. Jackson-Davis scored eight straight for IU. Indiana capitalized on their rest advantage, with four extra days, and the fatigue set in for Maryland.
The Hoosiers held onto a nine-point lead for a few minutes, but the Terrapins refused to back down. With three minutes remaining, Race Thompson tallied two turnovers and Maryland was within six.
Hood-Schifino nailed a three-pointer as the shot clock wound down to give the Hoosiers their nine-point lead back. Jackson-Davis and Kopp also contributed late-game free throws that gave IU separation.
