Maryland men’s basketball still vying for consistency after a Big Ten hiatus

(Photo Courtesy of Maryland Athletics.)

Afterward defeating its outset Big Ten opponent in December, Maryland (eight-6, 2-5 B1G) had still to forge a consistent identity. Now coming off their second Big Ten win confronting Illinois, the Terps are still inconsistent but are certainly closer to where they should be and have a chance to secure their third league win of the season.

Fortunately for Maryland, they'll exist returning to Big X activity confronting a Michigan squad they have played less than a month agone, in a road environment that they have seemingly thrived in all season. The Terps' previous ii Big Ten wins came confronting then No. 6 Wisconsin and then No. 12 Illinois on the road and their performances in both outings were nothing short of herculean.

Hoping for like results alee of their matchup at Michigan may exist misguided considering the Wolverines are the best in the league and are likely final four bound. But Maryland has shocked all season and are clearly capable of toppling talented squads.

"I call up we've kinda figured out how this team has to play," head omnibus Marker Turgeon said.

Hunter Dickinson will be leading Michigan's talented lineup and will too exist looking to bounce back from his abysmal nine-signal outing against Minnesota. The Wolverines star freshman averages 16.8 points, 7 boards and 1.iv blocks, leading the team in all three categories.

Dickinson's Maryland homecoming on New Years Eve included a 26-point double-double, a 90% field goal pct and some competitive jawing at Maryland'southward bench. And cheers to a largely absent interior defense, he was met with nearly no resistance around the rim and had one of the best performances of his budding career.

Since then, Maryland has faced the likes of Trayce Jackson-Davis, Luka Garza and Kofi Cockburn and still has no answer for their frontcourt struggles. Even so, the recent progression of Galin Smith may serve every bit a modest remedy to the Terps depression post ailment.

Though his box score numbers aren't entirely indicative of his efforts, Smith has fabricated significant strides on defense, peculiarly every bit a rebounder.

"Galin does everything right," Turgeon said. "He's giving upwardly size and athleticism to a lot of guys but he knows how to play."

Michigan too boasts a smart and well-rounded set of guards that each provide a different way of play, similar to Illinois. With guard Eli Brooks likely to play with a right foot strain, much of the scoring load will exist on talents such as Mike Smith and Franz Wagner who average 12 and 8 points, respectively.

The two combined to score 35 points at Xfinity Center before this season, and took turns finding holes in Maryland'southward defense on and off the brawl.

The possible absence of Brooks is besides enough to warrant a more aggressive outing from Isaiah Livers who has scored a total of 13 points in his last two games against the Terps on 3-thirteen shooting.

"The thing that makes Michigan what they are is they got a great low post role player in Hunter Dickinson and they got 4 guys around him that can really play," Turgeon said. "Reminds me a lot of our squad last year."

The start time these sides met this season, the Terps entered with a fully healthy squad and inspired criminal offence, leftover from its first Big Ten win. They left with an injured Darryl Morsell and a lifeless crime they failed to recapture until their win at Illinois two games later.

At present with a tune-up game under their chugalug and an otherwise healthy team, the Terps will have to detect consistency in what has already been a fickle season.

Defence is what ultimately has kept Maryland on pace with the league'south elevation teams and information technology will surely help against the Wolverines if the Terps tin can stay level-headed on both sides of the courtroom.

Additionally, if Maryland can properly prevent Dickinson from getting comfortable downwards low, Michigan'due south production from the perimeter volition assuredly follow.

With Eric Ayala cleared to play, Aaron Wiggins gradually budgeted midseason form, Donta Scott scoring at all three levels and solid bench play from Hakim Hart and Jairus Hamilton, a solid offensive showing by Maryland might exist in the cards likewise.

Still, the talent in Michigan is unfaltering and particularly hungry after coming off a tough loss, leaving little room for mistakes.

Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 p.thou. and the game volition air on FS1.

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Source: http://wmucsports.net/maryland-mens-basketball-still-vying-for-consistency-after-big-ten-hiatus/

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