After getting left off the All-Big Ten team, Maryland sophomore guard Rodney Rice took out his frustration on Illinois Friday in the Big Ten Tournament. He scored a game-high 26 points, draining 7-of-9 three-point attempts to lead the Terrapins into the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament.
Rice highlighted his exceptional night with a mind-boggling play in the second half of Maryland’s 88-65 win.
Rice fell to the floor while curling toward a dribbling hand-off from teammate Derik Queen. Immediately, Rice reached for his calf as play continued. Queen pivoted to a pass to Ja’Kobi Gillespie. Rice got up just as Gillespie passed the ball to him. Then, Rice drained a three, drawing a foul in the process.
Everything that could go right for Maryland did. The play gave Maryland a 76-48 lead as they cruised past the Illini. Queen added 19 points and ten rebounds. Gillespie had 12 points and nine assists.
Rodney Rice stated case for All-Big Ten mistake
Queen earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year by both the media and coaches. Gillespie made the third-team All-Big Ten. However, Rice got left off despite an impressive regular season. He averaged 14.8 points per game in 20 conference games.
“They should never have disrespected him,” Queen said after Rice’s three-point barrage, per Harrison Rich of The Diamondback. “That’s their fault.”
Maryland entered the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 2 seed. The Terrapins improved to 14-2 over their last 16 games. Maryland will play the No. 3 seed Michigan on Saturday in the conference semifinals. The Terrapins beat the Wolverines 71-65 in their previous meeting on March 5 in Ann Arbor.
