The Maryland men’s basketball team opened Saturday’s game against No. 14 Illinois with energy and exuberance that had been sorely lacking recently. Part of the reason for the renewed vigor: The opponent provided one of two remaining Quadrant 1 victory opportunities for the Terrapins’ fizzling NCAA tournament aspirations.
The death of beloved former Maryland coach Lefty Driesell at 92 on Saturday morning provided plenty of inspiration as well, but the Terps could not honor the Basketball Hall of Famer with a win. Instead, Maryland failed to get critical stops down the stretch during its 85-80 loss at Xfinity Center.