The countdown to Selection Sunday continues. Winners of 6 of their last 7, The Terps are on the rise headed into March. Led by first year head coach, Kevin Willard, this team has certainly had their ups and downs. But, a team trending in the right direction as we get to March, is a team that everyone should beware of.
Maryland will likely be anywhere between a 6-10 seed when the bracket is revealed on March 12th, here is why they can win it all, and what is holding them back from doing so.
Why can the Terps bring it home to College Park for the first time since 2001?
Ball security. Job security. Maryland is among the nations top teams in taking care of the ball. Only averaging 10.9 turnovers per game is crucial for the Terps. Turning the ball over enables the opposing team to start runs and shift the momentum in the game, so the less you turn it over, the less likely you are to face a game-changing run. Limiting turnovers will be a key to their success.
Defense wins championships. Opponents are only averaging 62.5 points per game against this stellar Maryland defense. They play tough defense for 60 minutes and their “havoc” press allows them to force turnovers which leads to easy buckets. Wearing teams out and creating turnovers will always be useful in the tournament and Maryland will rely on that to make a big run.
What is holding Maryland back from glory?
Three-point shooting. This team can’t buy a basket from behind the arc. Their best three-point shooter (Ian Martinez) only averages 38.1% and as a team they shoot 30.2%, ranking them at 328th in the country. How many times have you seen a 3 start a run? Shift the momentum? Or even win a game? Maryland does not have that player they can go to when they need a three. Very concerning.
Play away from home. Maryland is 2-6 away from College Park this year losing by an average of 10.3 points per loss. They are a completely different team when they play on the road. Now, all of the games are obviously going to be at a neutral site in the Big Dance, but with a higher seed, Maryland will be playing far away from home and the fan percentage will not be in their favor, especially if they make it past the first or second round. ALWAYS look for a team that plays well away from home when you are getting in your later rounds of bracket selection.
Maryland is a good basketball team, and dangerous. Graduate transfer guard, Jahmir Young will always have an advantage in his matchups and will likely have to carry this team if they want to make any kind of run here. Relying on ball security, and defensive efficiency isn't necessarily the “sexiest” way to get things done, but it has proven to be successful before. Maybe a 6’2 guard by the name of Bruce Kelleher (BMK) could help this team out. Too bad he will be watching this team in his recliner with a Bud Light in hand.
My Prediction: Round of 32 Exit
Next Game: 2/16 vs. (1) Purdue
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