COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Ja’Kobi Gillespie delivered an impressive performance, scoring 27 points as Maryland triumphed over No. 22 UCLA with a final score of 79-61 on Friday evening. The game’s dynamic changed dramatically when Bruins coach Mick Cronin was ejected with just over five minutes left on the clock.
UCLA, currently holding a record of 11-5 and 2-3 in the Big Ten, faced its third consecutive defeat. This downturn followed a disappointing 19-point loss at home against Michigan earlier in the week, which prompted Cronin to label his team as “soft” and “delusional.” Frustration peaked during the game against Maryland when the Terrapins held a nine-point lead.
The incident leading to Cronin’s ejection occurred after Julian Reese secured a rebound for the Terps. He received two quick technical fouls, leading to his exit from the game, during which he shook hands with Maryland’s coach, Kevin Willard, as he departed the court. Gillespie capitalized on the ensuing free throws, netting all four, before Reese added a layup to increase Maryland’s lead to 66-51.
Reese contributed significantly to Maryland’s victory, finishing the game with 16 points and 10 rebounds. UCLA’s top scorer was Tyler Bilodeau, who managed 18 points.
Observations from the Game:
UCLA: Despite showing some resilience on the offensive boards, the Bruins struggled to find consistent scoring, turning the ball over 21 times throughout the match. The long-term implications of Cronin’s outburst, following his sharp comments after the prior game, remain to be seen in terms of how it might impact the team’s future performance.
Maryland: The Terps showcased a determined effort, turning their grit into a commanding victory following Cronin’s departure from the sidelines. Maryland’s defense proved effective, holding UCLA to a shooting percentage of just 41.5% from the field.
The Turning Point:
At halftime, Maryland led narrowly with a score of 40-36. They began the second half strong with a three-point shot from Rodney Rice and a layup from Reese. Although there was still ample time remaining, the defensive intensity from Maryland maintained their nine-point advantage for the rest of the game.
Significant Stats:
Maryland enjoyed an 11-0 run in the first half which allowed them to gain a lead they would not relinquish. They further extended their dominance with a 10-0 run towards the latter stages of the match. This season, the Terrapins have now achieved 22 scoring runs of 10 points or more, compared to 16 for the entirety of last season.
Looking ahead, UCLA will shift their focus eastward to face Rutgers on Monday night. Meanwhile, Maryland will host Minnesota on the same evening.
