Maryland Terrapins
Big Ten (24-8, 12-6)
Mark Turgeon’s fifth year at Maryland might be one of his finest. The Terps surprisingly emerged as a conference contender mid-season after losing four starters from a Sweet Sixteen team a year ago. He relied on three freshmen starters to help carry the load alongside junior superstar Melo Trimble, an All-American candidate. Though they had a late season swoon, his young stars have not blinked all season no matter the challenge. There is no reason to suspect they will start now as they head into the tournament.
Big Wins: 12/3 Oklahoma State (71-70), 12/8 at Minnesota (85-78), 2/15 at Northwestern (74-64)
Bad Losses: 11/29 Pittsburgh (59-73), 1/1 Nebraska (65-67), 2/7 at Penn State (64-70)
Coach: Mark Turgeon
Why They Can Surprise:
It’s as if Maryland’s freshmen starters have no idea that they are freshmen. Two of them – Justin Jackson and Anthony Cowan – averaged double-figures. As with any young team, Maryland had their struggles from time to time throughout the season. They were by no means perfect. However, they always responded and played tough in times of adversity. Pair them with star point guard Melo Trimble, and this team has the opportunity to get to the second weekend at least. Trimble was on a hot streak near the end of the regular season. His leadership can propel this team. Also, close games tend to go Maryland’s way. They are 10-3 this regular season in games where the point differential is six or less. Clutch performances are what the tournament is all about. When this team shoots well from deep, they can keep up with a lot of teams that may even eclipse them in talent.
Why They Can Disappoint:
A lot of people did not expect for Maryland to be as good as they are, and a lot of people are not sure how far this team can go in the tournament. The biggest struggle for Maryland is rebounding and the inability to keep the pedal to the metal. On several occasions this season, the Terps have had double-digit leads and squandered them in some untimely losses. They do not have an elite rebounder on the roster and have been beaten on the glass consistently over the course of the season. They tend to give up second or third opportunities to their opponent. It also does not help that 7’1” center Michal Cekovsky is out due to an ankle injury. They lose size and bench help without him.
Probable Starters:
Melo Trimble, Junior, Guard, 17.0 ppg, 3.7 apg
Anthony Cowan, Freshman, Guard, 10.5 ppg, 3.7 apg
Damonte Dodd, Senior, Forward, 6.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg
Justin Jackson, Freshman, Forward, 10.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg
Kevin Huerter, Freshman, Guard, 9.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg
Key Role Players:
Ivan Bender, Sophomore, Forward, 4.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg
Jaylen Brantley, Junior, Guard, 5.0 ppg, 1.0 apg
Jared Nickens, Junior, Guard, 3.1 ppg
L.G. Gill, Senior, Forward, 3.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 74.5 (150th in nation, 6th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 67.7 (65, 6)
Field-Goal Percentage: 45.0 (139, 7)
Field-Goal Defense: 41.0 (44, 6)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 8.4 (90, 5)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 36.3 (121, 7)
Free-Throw Percentage: 70.1 (171, 9)
Rebound Margin: 1.0 (154, 10)
Assists Per Game: 14.4 (122, 7)
Turnovers Per Game: 12.9 (158, 6)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2016 NCAA Round of 64 win over South Dakota State
2016 NCAA Round of 32 win over Hawaii
2016 NCAA Regional Semifinal loss to Kansas
2015 NCAA Round of 64 win over Valparaiso
2015 NCAA Round of 32 loss to West Virginia
2013 NIT First Round win over Niagara
2013 NIT Second Round win over Denver
2013 NIT Quarterfinal win over Alabama
2013 NIT Semifinal loss to Iowa
2010 NCAA Round of 64 win over Houston
2010 NCAA Round of 32 loss to Michigan State
2009 NCAA Round of 64 win over California
2009 NCAA Round of 32 loss to Memphis
2008 NIT First Round win over Minnesota
2008 NIT Second Round loss to Syracuse
2007 NCAA Round of 64 win over Davidson
2007 NCAA Round of 32 loss to Butler
2006 NIT First Round loss to Manhattan
*all team stats through 3/5
