As the Maryland men’s basketball team gears up to face Wagner, they look to bounce back after a challenging week. The Terps recently competed in Las Vegas, playing three games in a span of three days. Their opponents included top-tier teams like No. 8 Alabama and No. 12 Gonzaga, resulting in two heavy losses. Despite these outcomes, head coach Buzz Williams gained valuable insights into the team’s performance ahead of their next matchup.
Upcoming Matchup: Maryland vs. Wagner
Maryland is set to host Wagner in College Park on Tuesday. The game is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Wagner currently stands at 1-5 this season and has faced similar competition. Their performance against Georgetown, where they scored 72 points but lost 92, provides a glimpse into their offensive capabilities. Additionally, the Seahawks lost a close 71-70 game in overtime against UMBC.
Wagner Seahawks Overview
Wagner holds a record of 14-16 in the previous season, finishing with a 6-10 conference record. Under the guidance of head coach Donald Copeland, the team achieved its first-ever NCAA Tournament win in 2024. This victory came against Howard in the First Four, following a remarkable run to claim the NEC Tournament title. However, this season has started slowly, with the team’s only victory occurring during a 103-101 overtime thriller against Manhattan on November 26.
Key Players to Watch
- Nick Jones (Junior Guard, No. 0): Jones leads the Seahawks with an average of 16.7 points per game and is strong defensively with 12 steals.
- Eddie Placer (Junior Guard, No. 7): Renowned for his shooting, Placer boasts a 48.1% success rate from three-point range, contributing 11.2 points per game.
- Jaden Baker (Redshirt Senior Guard, No. 9): As the primary ball handler, Baker has a team-high of 20 assists this season, averaging 9.5 points per game.
Offensive and Defensive Insights
Wagner excels at three-point shooting, leading the NEC with a remarkable 41.3% accuracy. However, they struggle with ball control, averaging 15 turnovers per game, which results in the second-worst turnover margin in their conference at -4.33.
Game Strategy Considerations
The Terps can exploit their size advantage against Wagner’s backcourt-oriented squad. Pharrel Payne is expected to make a significant impact on the interior. Additionally, transfer Myles Rice has yet to find his stride; fans will be eager to see if he can deliver a stronger performance against Wagner.
The game presents an opportunity for players like Guillermo Del Pino and Aleks Alston to shine, with both showing flashes of potential during their Las Vegas games. Coach Williams will decide how to integrate these players with the main lineup effectively.
This matchup provides Maryland an opportunity to regroup and refine their strategies as they head toward conference play, making it a crucial game for both the Terps and the Seahawks.
