Maryland is on a roll this season, climbing up the Big Ten standings with an impressive 19-6 record and a 9-5 conference mark. The Terps have won six of their last seven games, and their frontcourt has been a dominant force. Julian Reese, the younger brother of WNBA star Angel Reese, has been a key piece for Maryland, posting his 11th double-double of the season with 13 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks in the team’s 83-75 win over Nebraska. His consistency has put him in the history books – he is tied for the most double-doubles in Maryland history since 1996-97. Freshman Derik Queen led the team with 24 points and 10 rebounds for his eighth career double-double. It was also his ninth game this season with 20 or more points and fifth with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds (most by a freshman in the nation).
Juju Reese Controversy Over Free Chicken
But despite his strong play, it wasn’t just his stats that made headlines against Nebraska. Reese found himself at the center of controversy after receiving a technical foul for taunting the home crowd. Pinnacle Bank Arena was electric, and the Nebraska student section was focused on Reese as he stepped to the free-throw line with 13 minutes left in the second half. After missing the first shot, the crowd erupted – one more miss would have meant free chicken sandwiches for everyone, thanks to an in-game Chick-fil-A promotion. But Reese had the last word, sinking the second free throw and silencing the fans with a bold gesture. This was the moment.
That wasn’t the end of the fight. With five minutes remaining, the crowd’s relentless heckling paid off when Reese missed both free throws, finally delivering the prize they had been waiting for. But instead of retiring, Reese ran past the student section, held out his left hand and motioned for them to quiet down. The officials weren’t amused – he was immediately assessed a technical foul, giving Nebraska two free throws and possession of the ball. It didn’t end up costing Maryland the game, but it was a moment that summed up the intensity of the night.
Angel Reese’s Basketball Journey Continues
Meanwhile, his sister Angel Reese is making waves in the basketball world in her own right. Fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, she’s currently focusing on the Unrivaled League, where her Rose Team sits in third place. While her 3-on-3 league action is temporarily on hold due to the ongoing 1-on-1 tournament, all eyes will be on her when play resumes on February 18th. And with the playoffs running through March 17, Reese still has plenty of opportunities to make her mark on this new and exciting league.
As she prepares for her second WNBA season, expectations couldn’t be higher. Reese had a historic rookie campaign, averaging a double-double with 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. She made history by leading the league in rebounding as a rookie, shattering the previous first-year record with 446 boards, surpassing Sylvia Fowles‘ mark of 404. Although A’ja Wilson ultimately set the new single-season rebounding record, Reese was on pace to surpass 500 rebounds before her season-ending injury. With her sights set on an even bigger sophomore season, Angel Reese is proving she’s here to stay.
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