In a stunning upset, the Maryland-College Park Terrapins defied expectations, toppling the Washington Huskies 64-60 at XFINITY Center. The margin of victory, a four-point difference, belies the magnitude of this upset, as the Terrapins' NET ranking of 150 was a significant underdog to the Huskies' NET ranking of 50. The Terrapins' triumph sends shockwaves through the conference, with implications for seeding and tournament prospects.
The game was a closely contested affair, with the Terrapins edging the Huskies 34-32 in the first half and 30-28 in the second half. This seesaw battle ultimately favored the underdog Terrapins, who managed to secure a crucial four-point victory.
Andre Mills' performance was a defining factor in Maryland's 64-60 victory over Washington. He led the team in scoring with 21 points, shooting 7-18 from the field and 3-6 from beyond the arc. Mills also contributed with 4 rebounds and 5 assists, showcasing his well-rounded skills. His efficiency from the free throw line, where he made all 4 attempts, was also notable.
Elijah Saunders and Solomon Washington also made significant contributions to the Maryland win. Saunders provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, all of which came from beyond the arc as he made 4-5 three-point attempts. Washington, meanwhile, controlled the boards with 14 rebounds, while also adding 11 points and 2 assists. His presence in the paint was felt throughout the game, and his ability to secure key rebounds helped seal the victory for the Terrapins.
Zoom Diallo's performance, marked by a 19-point effort, fell short of propelling Washington to victory. His 5 assists showcased his playmaking ability, but his efficiency from beyond the arc was limited to just 1 of 3 three-point attempts. Diallo's overall shooting percentage was respectable, but his inability to stretch the defense with more outside shots hindered Washington's offense.
Wesley Yates III's 12 points came on a dismal 3-13 shooting night, including a 3-12 showing from three-point range. His inability to find his shot and contribute more effectively on the perimeter was a significant factor in Washington's loss. Despite his 3-3 performance from the free throw line, Yates' struggles to generate offense from the perimeter were a major concern for the Huskies.
The rest of the Maryland roster and the Washington team largely adhered to their established season averages, with no notable deviations from their typical output.
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Final
The pre-game prediction of a Washington victory by 8 points proved to be a misfire, as the Terps emerged with a 4-point win instead. Maryland's upset victory defied expectations, but upon closer examination of the game's key statistics, the reasons for this outcome become clearer.
Maryland's shooting efficiency was a major factor in their victory, as they outperformed their season average in both effective field goal percentage and three-point shooting. This surge in shooting accuracy allowed them to outpace Washington, who struggled from beyond the arc, converting at a season-low 22.7%. Furthermore, Maryland's aggressive rebounding on the offensive end, which saw them secure 46.4% of available rebounds, significantly contributed to their winning margin. This ability to limit Washington's second-chance opportunities, combined with Maryland's own improved shooting, ultimately decided the game in their favor.
Maryland's win over Washington is a crucial addition to their NCAA Tournament resume, as it marks their third Quad 2 victory, which could help the Terps secure a low-seeded at-large bid. Given their NET ranking of #150, Maryland will likely be considered for a 12-seed or worse in the bracket, but a 10-6 conference record and three Quad 2 wins may be enough to overcome their mediocre overall profile. Conversely, Washington's loss in a Quad 3 game will not significantly harm their NCAA Tournament chances, as they still boast a respectable NET ranking of #50 and a 9-5 conference record. However, the Huskies' inability to secure a high-profile Quad 2 win will make it difficult for them to advance beyond a 5-seed in the bracket. The real question is, will one more Quad 2 win be enough to catapult Washington into the top four seeds?