Maryland’s men’s basketball team is off to a strong start this season, with fans eagerly watching how their early tune-ups will set the stage for tougher matchups. While Maryland breezed past its first three opponents with commanding victories, the real test looms Friday, when they face a formidable Marquette squad at Xfinity Center. This game has serious implications, as Marquette, currently 2-0, isn’t just any team—they’re the same Golden Eagles who made waves last season by reaching the Big East Tournament final against UConn and progressing to the Sweet Sixteen as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament before North Carolina State pulled off an upset. For Maryland, it’s a chance to see if the groundwork laid in these initial games can withstand a true challenge.
The Terps have had a remarkable season opener so far, hitting the ground running with three victories, each by a margin of over 30 points. Their latest win, an 84-53 triumph over Florida A&M, continued that trend and marked a new school record. But more than just the wins, Maryland is setting a tone of dominance and efficiency, both on offense and defense, that fans hope will persist as they progress through the season.
Senior power forward Julian Reese has been a critical asset to Maryland's powerhouse start. A native of Randallstown and a St. Frances alum, Reese showcased his skills against Florida A&M, leading the team with 21 points and falling just one rebound short of his first double-double of the season. Reese wasn’t the only player to impress, though. Graduate student Selton Miguel poured in 14 points, with 11 of them coming in a standout first-half performance that also saw him add two rebounds and two assists. Meanwhile, junior point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie and freshman center Derik Queen were essential in both scoring and defending, with Gillespie adding 12 points, five rebounds, and three steals, while Queen posted 11 points, three assists, and two steals.
Early Game Dominance Sets the Tone
Right from the tip-off against Florida A&M, Maryland’s determination was clear. The Terps took a blazing 15-0 lead within the first three minutes, driven by contributions from Reese, Miguel, and Queen, a Baltimore native himself. The team seemed virtually unstoppable, signaling to fans that Maryland basketball meant business this season. This explosive opening quarter had Florida A&M scrambling to find their footing, though they managed to claw back slightly with a quick 6-0 run to close the gap to 17-12 after a brief scoring drought from the Terps.
The Terps' offense then hit a few bumps, as Maryland went 3:11 without scoring—a period that gave Florida A&M a window of opportunity to fight back. Even so, Maryland rebounded from these rough patches with resilience, as Reese’s layups bookended the dry spell, ensuring the Terps kept the lead. Reese’s putback layup finally ended a field-goal drought, allowing Maryland to recover and expand their lead before the halftime break.
Strong Finish to the First Half
As the first half neared its close, Maryland kicked back into high gear, surging to a 40-21 halftime lead thanks to contributions from players like Miguel and Gillespie, who each added five points in the last few minutes of the half. Maryland’s late-half offensive push paved the way for a second half that would see the Terps steadily build on their lead, at one point stretching it to a staggering 39 points. This strong finish to the first half effectively ended Florida A&M’s hopes of mounting a comeback and gave Maryland fans plenty to cheer about.
Key Contributions from the Bench and Other Stars
Beyond Maryland’s starting lineup, the bench also brought energy and impact to the game. Sophomore Rodney Rice made his presence felt by scoring 10 points off the bench, keeping the momentum going even when starters took a breather. For Florida A&M, senior forward Tyler Shirley showed fight with 10 points, seven rebounds, and two assists before fouling out midway through the second half. Graduate shooting guard Milton Matthews chipped in nine points, while redshirt junior Shaqir O’Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, contributed nine points and five rebounds off the bench.
Despite some standout performances, Florida A&M couldn’t keep pace with Maryland’s relentless scoring and defense. Under the guidance of their first-year head coach, Patrick Crarey II, Florida A&M found themselves outmatched yet again. This loss marked their third consecutive defeat, each by 29 points or more, adding up to an average deficit of over 35 points per game on their current road swing. Maryland’s overwhelming performance made it clear that Florida A&M was out of their depth, even as individual players did what they could to hold the line.
Why Friday’s Marquette Matchup Matters
The upcoming showdown with Marquette isn’t just another game—it’s a proving ground for Maryland. Marquette, a team known for their toughness and postseason potential, will provide a stark contrast to the Terps' early-season competition. The Golden Eagles, who reached the NCAA Sweet Sixteen last year and were a No. 2 seed, represent an opportunity for Maryland to gauge their progress and resilience against a high-caliber opponent. With a more rigorous game ahead, the Terps will need to rely on the cohesion, depth, and intensity they’ve shown so far.
For Maryland fans, the matchup promises plenty of excitement. Can Reese continue his scoring spree against Marquette's defense? Will players like Miguel, Gillespie, and Queen continue to deliver with the same intensity and accuracy? Friday’s game is about more than just keeping a winning streak—it’s about solidifying Maryland’s standing as a legitimate force this season.
Highlights of Maryland's Season Opener
- Record-Breaking Wins: Maryland made school history with three consecutive victories by 30 points or more. Their high-energy starts and relentless defense have set the tone for what they hope will be a memorable season.
- Strong Contributions Across the Board: With Reese nearly reaching double-doubles, Miguel’s early scoring outbursts, and balanced efforts from both starters and bench players, Maryland’s depth is evident. This is a team where multiple players are ready to step up when needed.
- Tough Defense: Maryland’s defensive performance has stifled their opponents, and with three games in the bag, their average point differential demonstrates just how effective they’ve been at controlling the game.
As Maryland gears up to face Marquette, fans are watching to see if the Terps’ early success will hold up under tougher conditions. This season, Maryland basketball is a team to watch—whether it’s Reese's hustle, Miguel’s clutch shooting, or the team’s overall resilience, this squad has all the elements to make a deep run. The Xfinity Center will be electric on Friday night, as both teams aim to make an early-season statement. The stakes are high, and the Terps are ready to show what they’re made of.
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