Illinois 71, Maryland 62: Illini show second-half stuff

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Illinois guard Sam Maniscalco shoots over Maryland forward James Padgett in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in College Park, Md., Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011. Maniscalco contributed a team-high 24 points to Illinois' 71-62 win. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Updated: January 1, 2012 8:21AM

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — In a sense, this was the real season opener for Illinois, this trip to Maryland.

After a rough start, the Illini stood their ground in the second half, pulling out a 71-62 victory over the Terrapins (3-3) on Tuesday behind 24 points from Sam Maniscalco.

It was Illinois’ third straight victory in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. And if this victory was sloppy at times, it also was a sign — on the road, against its first BCS
opponent — that Illinois (7-0) has a chance to harness its talent.

‘‘I thought we showed a lot of toughness, a lot of grit,’’ Maniscalco said. ‘‘We were lucky to only be down four points at halftime [35-31]. But we came with a lot of energy in the second half. You need to find a way to win. And we did that.’’

Down 34-25 with 1:38 left in the half and 37-31 early in the second half, Illinois went on a 16-4 run for a 47-41 lead. From there, a variety of Illini answered Maryland’s comeback efforts.

At halftime, coach Bruce Weber and his staff reminded their players of their name.

‘‘We wrote it on the board,’’
Weber said. ‘‘We’re the Fighting Illini. You have to fight. Not in a dirty way, but just battle. It was just grinding it out, toughing it out. We made a lot of little plays to win a road game. It was a good win for us. Now you build with it.’’

It was Weber’s 200th win at
Illinois, where he’s 200-86 in his ninth season.

‘‘Now we have to get 201 and 202,’’ he said. ‘‘That’s the most important thing.’’

Brandon Paul scored 13 of his 17 points in the first half. Meyers Leonard (12 points, six rebounds), Tyler Griffey (seven points, six rebounds, three assists) and Tracy Abrams (four assists, three rebounds) provided energy on a night when D.J. Richardson (six points, 6-for-11) struggled.

But if Illinois had to name an MVP in its 7-0 start, it would be Maniscalco, the fifth-year transfer from Bradley.

‘‘He’s unbelievable,’’ Leonard said. ‘‘He’s a great leader, and he’s making big shots. He’s been the guy for us this year so far.’’

All according to plan.

‘‘I’m surprising people,’’ Maniscalco said, ‘‘but I’m not surprising myself. I’m not bragging or anything. I have high expectations for myself. But it’s not about me. It’s about this team, not Sam Maniscalco. It’s about where we’re going. We’re 7-0 right now.’’

With Gonzaga coming to Champaign on Saturday, the Illini, who aren’t expected to dazzle this season, have another chance to prove they might exceed expectations.