With only two games left in the regular season for the Terrapins, it’s unfortunate to see one wasted against Rutgers. Wasted might be too harsh (Rutgers was the 1.5 point favorite and is desperate to retain a bracket spot) but still, Maryland could have preserved some momentum going into the tournament with wins against Rutgers and Michigan. Sr Anthony Cowan Jr rebounded from his poor performance last weekend with 19 points, and So Jalen Smith supported strongly with a respectable 16. I’m not quite sure anyone else showed up tonight.
This was a duel-whammy in which Md performed exceptionally poorly (38.5% field goals and 19% three-pointers) and Rutgers exceeded expectations (49% field goals and 47% three-pointers). An already under-performing Maryland defense continues to, well, under-perform. Rutger’s won the rebound differential 44-40 and had 3 extra steals from Terrapins. The only difference is that now the offense has joined too. Maryland needed more from Wiggins, Scott, and the bench if they want to show up as a serious contender next week in the Big Ten Tournament.
A decisive win against Michigan on Sunday could be the boost needed to generate some momentum for a tournament which promises suspense and upsets. Michigan State, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa all have strong cases to be made. Michigan and Ohio State lurk ready to insert chaos. Either way, Maryland’s position atop the Big Ten and the March Madness bracket is shaky.