Jan. 08--CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois coach John Groce simplified the game to a five-on-five meeting.
But the Illini may seem like more than a man down on Wednesday night against Maryland.
Illinois will be playing its first game without leading scorer Rayvonte Rice, who is out indefinitely after breaking his left hand in Monday's practice.
"It's our five against their five," Groce said.
Rice led the Illini in points (17.2 per game), rebounds (6.9) and steals (1.8).
In his absence expect more playing time for guard Kendrick Nunn (8.7), who has started six games this season. Groce also indicated the Illini (10-5, 0-2 Big Ten) could use a big lineup with both centers Nnanna Egwu and Maverick Morgan on the court at the same time.
Maryland (14-1, 2-0) enters with an impressive start to its first Big Ten season.
A win would provide Maryland with its best start in program history.
The Terrapins are led by senior Dez Wells' 14.9 points a game and freshman point guard Melo Trimble's 16.2 per game. Trimble is coming off a 20-point game in their win against Minnesota.
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