The Maryland men’s basketball team will be looking to avenge last month’s 58-55 loss to Purdue when the Boilermakers come to Xfinity Center on Feb.16.
Maryland (17-8 overall, 8-6 Big Ten) is currently in the midst of a brief homestand after splitting a two-game road trip with an 81-46 win against Minnesota on Feb. 4 and a 63-58 loss to Michigan State on Feb. 7.
After beating Penn State, 74-68, on Feb. 10, the Terps will look to continue their dominance at home when Purdue comes to town. Here are three thoughts heading into the upcoming conference showdown:
1. Maryland is undefeated in return games …
Not only is Maryland 13-1 at home, but it is 2-0 in return games. After dropping matchups to Michigan and Wisconsin on the road, the Terps defeated both teams in College Park.
Michigan dismantled Maryland during a New Year’s Day showdown in Ann Arbor, but the Terps returned the favor, 64-58, in the Jan. 19 rematch. Maryland did the same against Wisconsin, losing to the Badgers in December but winning, 73-55, on Jan. 25.
Senior guard Jahmir Young finished with 26 points in the second game against the Wolverines and 22 points in the second contest against the Badgers, part of a five-game stretch during which the guard had four 20-plus-point performances in five games.
“I think the biggest thing that I’ve noticed is I think is not only has he gotten used to the league, I think he’s gotten into good enough shape the way we’re playing and his second wind is coming really quick,” head coach Kevin Willard said of Young after the Wisconsin win. “I think he’s gotten in great shape. I think he’s gotten comfortable with the size and length. I think he’s gotten much more comfortable with the offense.”
2. … but can Maryland keep it going?
Maryland has won eight straight home games since its lone home loss to UCLA on Dec. 14, and its overall home record is 13-1. If the Terps win their final three home games, they will match their 2019-20 home record of 16-1.
Maryland continued its streak with a 74-68 win against Penn State in front of a sold-out crowd. It was the first sellout since March 8, 2020, against Michigan. Terps senior wing Hakim Hart led the way with a season-high 23 points (15 in the second half). Young finished with 18 points.
However, while Maryland struggles on the road, Purdue does not. The Boilermakers are 7-1 on the road compared to the Terps’ 2-6 road mark.
Willard believes that having a great home court goes a long way in the Big Ten.
“This building rocks, man. It’s really, really helped us,” Willard said after the win against Penn State. “… We’ve played Wisconsin, Purdue, Michigan State and Iowa on the road, and every place is packed on the road. Michigan State was loud. Purdue was loud. Wisconsin was constantly loud. Our building is loud. It’s a great home court. You need it in this league because winning on the road in this conference is unlike anything I’ve experienced.”
Hart says the crowd is his team’s sixth man.
“The fans are basically our sixth man. When they get going, we can get going. So we feed off their energy,” Hart said.
3. Can Julian Reese put together a repeat performance against Zach Edey?
During the first matchup between big men Julian Reese and Zach Edey this season, both led their teams in scoring. Reese finished with a season-high 19 points on 8-for-11 shooting. Edey finished with a game-high 24 points and 16 rebounds.
No other player scored in double digits for the Boilermakers, but Edey’s performance was enough to lead his team to a 58-55 win. Purdue’s 58 points are tied for the fewest points it has scored so far this season.
However, Reese has scored in double digits in five of the Terps’ last six games since that loss. Young has found his form and has been able to score at will with 11 straight double-digit performances. Moreover, Reese and Young both play better at home.
Willard said his team’s defense kept them in the first game but his group was unable to capitalize on its chances.
“We had some good opportunities,” Willard said after the Purdue loss. “… We battled, and we got them to take a lot of bad shots, probably shots that they were able to offensive rebound because they’re not used to taking bad shots. It’s not a win, obviously, but I’m proud of these guys.”
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