The Maryland men’s basketball team currently finds itself at the bottom of the Big Ten standings. They share this position with Penn State, the only other team without a conference victory. Both teams will clash in a crucial game at the Xfinity Center on Sunday.
Game Preview: Maryland vs. Penn State
The matchup is set for noon on Sunday and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. This game presents a vital opportunity for either team to secure their first Big Ten win of the season.
Penn State’s Struggles
- Current Record: 9 wins, 8 losses (0-6 Big Ten)
- Head Coach: Mike Rhoades is in his third year.
- Last Season: The team began with a historic 6-0 record.
- Notable Players:
- Ivan Jurić: 7-foot-0 freshman forward, averaging 4.4 rebounds per game.
- Melih Tunca: 6-foot-5 freshman guard, excelling in multiple categories.
- Josh Reed: 6-foot-10 senior forward, with an impressive free throw percentage of 89.4%.
Despite a strong start, Penn State recently suffered a significant loss to Indiana, falling 113-72 on December 9. Like Maryland, they have lost four consecutive matches and seven of their last eight.
Maryland’s Challenges
Maryland has also encountered difficulties this season. They must improve their ball movement, averaging fewer than eight assists per game in recent outings. Head Coach Buzz Williams will prioritize enhancing their offensive play.
Key Factors for Both Teams
- Ball Security: Penn State excels in ball security, averaging 9.4 turnovers per game but has the second-best steals average in the conference.
- Rebounding Issues: Penn State ranks 348th in Division I for rebounds, averaging just 31 per game.
- Player Injuries: Both teams are dealing with injuries. Key players for Penn State, Kayden Mingo and Freddie Dilione, may be limited or absent.
As the teams prepare to meet, the stakes are high. A victory could be pivotal for building momentum as they both look to escape the bottom of the standings. For Maryland, the time is now to find success in the Big Ten.
