Undefeated Maryland Set for Top-10 Clash at Illinois in Big Ten Showdown CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Interstat) — A marquee early-season Big Ten women’s basketball matchup will feature the conference’s only remaining undefeated team against its hottest squad when Maryland visits Illinois on Thursday. The Terrapins (14-0, 3-0 Big Ten), one of just three unbeatens left in Division I, will face their toughest test to date against the Fighting Illini (12-1, 3-0) at State Farm Center. Both teams enter with perfect conference records. Maryland, coming off a 97-59 demolition of Wisconsin on Monday, has won its games by an average margin of 33.6 points. Its closest contest was a dramatic 100-99 double-overtime road win at Minnesota on Dec. 7. Illinois has reeled off 12 consecutive victories since a season-opening loss at Oregon State, including an 83-73 win at Purdue on Sunday. The Illini’s defense has been a hallmark, holding opponents to an average of 56.2 points during the win streak. The spotlight will be on two of the league’s standout performers. Maryland is powered by guard Oluchi Okananwa, who is averaging 22 points over her last five games. She scored 28 points in just 19 minutes against Wisconsin. Illinois counters with forward Cearah Parchment, a consistent force who posted a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double against Indiana and nearly had another with 14 points and eight rebounds at Purdue. “This is why you play in the Big Ten,” Maryland coach Brenda Frese said. “Illinois is playing at an extremely high level. It’s a great early measuring stick for both teams.” Illinois coach Shauna Green emphasized the challenge. “Maryland is elite in every facet. We’ll need to be disciplined defensively and control the glass to have a chance,” she said. The game could have significant implications for the conference title race. Maryland’s high-octane offense, averaging 88.4 points per game, will clash with Illinois’s stout defense in what promises to be a sold-out and raucous environment. After this showdown, Maryland hosts Indiana on Sunday, while Illinois travels to Michigan State.