Maryland lost to Michigan on Saturday 85-61. The Terps came into the game riding high off their first consecutive wins and road win since December. A win against a highly-ranked Michigan, whom they nearly beat on the road, would at least re-enter the Terps’ name into NCAA tournament discussions.
The game was close at the start, as Maryland turned over the Wolverines at a high rate and made shots. They led the wolverines 12-11, before a 25-7 run that took the Terps, and the fans out of the game. The run continued, as Michigan finished the first half on a 43-12 run. Maryland narrowed the gap a few times in the second half, but failed to get closer than 19 points. Seniors Jared Nickens and Dion Wiley both finished their careers on a whimper.
Michigan is a very good team who will likely make a run in both the conference and NCAA tournaments. Their star player Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rachman shot 6/13 from 3 to score 28 points on the day, including 19 in the first half. Freshman Jordan Poole put on a show, making tough shot after tough shot. he eded up 3/5 from 3 for 12 points.
Once again, Anthony Cowan and Kevin Huerter Shouldered the point-scoring for the Terps’ unbalanced offense, scoring 17 and 12 respectively. The starting lineup contributed 7 of the teams’ 11 turnovers. Jared Nickens and Dion Wiley scored 7 total points on their senior day, on 3/14 shooting.
Highlights:
With the regular season now complete, Maryland turns its hopes to the conference tournament this week. To make the NCAA Tournament, the Terps will have to win 4 games in 4 days against some stiff competition. Their first matchup is set for Thursday at noon on Big Ten Network against Wisconsin.
