Illinois returns to the State Farm Center in its 2022 home opener to take on the Maryland Terrapins on Thursday night. The Illini are riding a three-game winning streak (10-3 overall) and are coming off a huge win against Minnesota on the road Tuesday.
Here’s a few things to note before you tune into the game.
Eric Ayala
The Maryland senior has been playing really well recently, putting up at least 19 points in each of the last 4 games. He’s also warmed up from deep over this stretch, shooting 46% (11/24).
Ayala is the unquestioned leader of the Terps and their results have generally followed however he has played this year.