Maryland Over Wisconsin

By: James C

Last night at the exhilarating Xfinity Center the Terps took control of the Badgers, picking up their second win in the last three games, winning 73 to 55.

Maryland and Wisconsin traded shots back and forth within the first few minutes of the game. Approximately seven minutes in, the two teams were tied at 14.

A few moments later Maryland’s point guard Jahmir Young drove into the paint and his shot was swatted away. Though, that would be the last time on the night Young would go to the rim without energy.

Just minutes later he drove to the rim and the point guard just over six feet took flight over two defenders, throwing down a dunk. Young would later finish with two dunks on the night—his first time with two in the same game this season.

Wisconsin took the lead minutes after the dunk by Young and held the Terps to zero field goals for over seven minutes. That was up until sophomore forward and Baltimore native Julian Reese broke the seal.

Going forward, the Terps would continue to push the tempo and go straight at the Badgers. At the half, the Badgers were able to keep it close, staying within five points of Maryland.

The spread at the start of tonight’s game was -5.5 in favor of Maryland. However, as the game progressed that margin continued to grow, as did the noise in the arena.

Fans brought the energy tonight, in the themed “blackout game,” revolving around the students’ return from winter break, and the Terps showed up.

Five minutes into the second half, the Terps took matters into their own hands, going on a 17 to 8 run, earning a 13-point lead. 

The Badgers were not able to spark a significant comeback for the rest of the night.

Maryland’s gritty defense and fast pace drained Wisconsin, and the Badgers were not able to come within a nine-point margin for the remaining minutes.

Four of Maryland’s starters scored more than 13 points on the night, and point guard Jahmir Young led the night with 22. Forward Donta Scott of Maryland marked his second double-double of the season in points and rebounds.

Maryland is now 10-1 at home and in the post-game press conference, their coach, Kevin Willard, recognized the hype of being at home.

“This building—especially when the students are in it—is electric,” said Willard. “It’s really helped having a really good home crowd behind us.”