COLLEGE PARK, Md. — In a thrilling matchup on Sunday, Ja’Kobi Gillespie delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 22 points that included the pivotal layup in the final minute, leading Maryland to a narrow victory of 69-66 over Nebraska.
Maryland maintained control for the majority of the game, holding a nine-point advantage in the last five minutes. However, they allowed Nebraska to climb back into contention. A crucial layup from Gillespie put Maryland back on top with just 40 seconds left on the clock.
On Nebraska’s ensuing possession, Julian Reese made a significant steal, and with 22 seconds remaining, Rodney Rice converted on the front end of a one-and-one situation, extending Maryland’s lead to 69-66. In the final moments, Connor Essegian attempted a three-pointer but missed, and time expired after Jordan Geronimo of the Terps failed to capitalize on a free throw opportunity.
Gillespie’s impressive stat line included five successful three-point attempts, five assists, and four steals. Teammate Rice contributed 15 points, while Selton Miguel scored 11. Reese also put forth a strong effort, recording 10 rebounds and four blocked shots for Maryland, which now stands at 14-5 overall and 4-4 in the Big Ten.
On the other side, Nebraska saw Andrew Morgan lead the bench scoring with 17 points, while Brice Williams added another 14. Notably, both Morgan and Juwan Gary, who scored six points, achieved the milestone of 1,000 career points in this game.
During the first half, Nebraska managed to establish a five-point lead late, but Maryland responded by sinking three three-pointers in the last 2.5 minutes, flipping the score to 37-35 in their favor at halftime.
As the second half unfolded, Rice added seven points, and Gillespie connected on another three-pointer, propelling Maryland to a 64-55 advantage with under seven minutes to go. The Cornhuskers managed to tie the game one final time, but Gillespie’s crucial layup proved decisive.
Despite struggling at the free-throw line, finishing 1 for 3 late in the game, the Terps kept their opponent under 70 points, effectively breaking Nebraska’s 36-game winning streak under such circumstances.
Nebraska is set to host USC on Wednesday, while Maryland will make an away trip to face Illinois on Thursday.
