Maryland Basketball Prepares to Battle Penn State in Crucial Big Ten Matchup MarylandBasketball #PennStateBasketball
College Park, Md. – The University of Maryland men’s basketball team will host Penn State on Thursday, January 26th, at 8:30 PM EST in a highly anticipated Big Ten Conference matchup. The Terrapins, currently ranked 22nd in the nation, will look to extend their four-game winning streak and improve their conference record to 7-6. Penn State, sitting at 10-11 overall and 3-10 in the Big Ten, will be aiming to upset Maryland and climb out of the conference cellar. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
Maryland Looks to Maintain Momentum
After a disappointing start to the conference season, Maryland has rebounded with four consecutive victories, including impressive wins over No. 10 Purdue and No. 17 Illinois. The Terrapins are led by junior forward Julian Reese, who is averaging 16.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Senior guard Jahmir Young has also been a key contributor, averaging 14.3 points and 4.1 assists per game.
Maryland head coach Kevin Willard is confident in his team’s ability to compete at a high level, but he knows that Penn State will be a tough opponent.
“Penn State is a well-coached team with some talented players,” Willard said. “They’re going to come into our house and give us a lot of problems. We have to be ready to match their intensity and physicality.”
Penn State Aims to Halt Slide
Penn State has struggled in Big Ten play this season, winning only three of its first 13 conference games. However, the Nittany Lions have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, including a narrow loss to No. 13 Michigan State.
Penn State is led by junior forward Jalen Pickett, who is averaging 13.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Pickett is one of the most versatile players in the Big Ten and can impact the game in a variety of ways.
Penn State head coach Micah Shrewsberry is hopeful that his team can build on its recent momentum and upset Maryland.
“We know that Maryland is a great team, but we’re confident in our ability to compete with them,” Shrewsberry said. “Our players are working hard and they’re starting to come together as a unit. We’re excited about the opportunity to play at Maryland and show everyone that we can be a tough team to beat.”
Key Factors to Watch
1. Battle in the Paint
Maryland and Penn State are both strong teams in the paint. The Terrapins rank 23rd in the nation in rebounding margin, while the Nittany Lions rank 36th. The battle for control of the rebounding game will be crucial in determining the outcome of this matchup.
2. Three-Point Shooting
Three-point shooting could be another key factor in this game. Maryland is one of the best three-point shooting teams in the Big Ten, ranking fifth in the conference in three-point percentage. Penn State is a solid three-point shooting team as well, ranking eighth in the Big Ten. The team that is more efficient from three-point range will have a significant advantage.
3. Play of Julian Reese
Julian Reese has been Maryland’s most consistent player this season. The junior forward is averaging a double-double and is capable of dominating both ends of the court. If Reese can continue to play at a high level, it will be difficult for Penn State to win this game.
Prediction
Maryland is a clear favorite in this matchup. The Terrapins are ranked higher, have a better record, and have a more talented roster. However, Penn State is a well-coached team that is capable of pulling off an upset.
The key for Penn State will be to control the pace of the game and limit Maryland’s transition opportunities. The Nittany Lions must also be efficient from three-point range and avoid turnovers.
Overall, Maryland is the more likely team to win this game. However, Penn State has the potential to pull off an upset if they play their best game.
Twitter Reaction
@TerpNation
“We’re ready for Penn State! Let’s go Terps!”
@WeArePSU
“We’re going to shock the world at Maryland!”
@CollegeHoopsInsider
“Maryland is a big favorite in this matchup, but Penn State has the potential to pull off an upset.”
Tables
| Statistic | Maryland | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 17-7 | 10-11 |
| Big Ten Record | 7-6 | 3-10 |
| KenPom Rating | 22 | 96 |
| NET Ranking | 26 | 107 |
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Reese (Maryland) | 16.5 | 9.5 | 0.8 |
| Jahmir Young (Maryland) | 14.3 | 4.1 | 2.9 |
| Jalen Pickett (Penn State) | 13.4 | 7.7 | 5.3 |
| Myles Dread (Penn State) | 9.2 | 4.1 | 2.1 |
| Effective Strategies | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Press Defense | Forces turnovers and disrupts offensive flow | Can be tiring for defenders and lead to fouls |
| Pack Line Defense | Limits penetration and forces outside shots | Vulnerable to three-point shooting and offensive rebounds |
| Zone Defense | Protects the paint and limits easy baskets | Can be exploited by teams with good three-point shooting |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the Maryland vs. Penn State basketball game?
The Maryland vs. Penn State basketball game is on Thursday, January 26th, at 8:30 PM EST.
2. Where is the game being played?
The game is being played at the Xfinity Center in College Park, Maryland.
3. What is the point spread for the game?
Maryland is a 10-point favorite to win the game, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
4. What is the over/under for the game?
The over/under for the game is 147 points, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
5. What is the TV channel for the game?
The game will be televised nationally on ESPN2.
6. Can I stream the game online?
The game can be streamed online via the ESPN app or ESPN+.
7. What is the all-time record between Maryland and Penn State in basketball?
Maryland leads the all-time series against Penn State 33-20.
8. Who is the favorite to win the Big Ten Conference this season?
Purdue is the favorite to win the Big Ten Conference this season, according to most preseason polls.
