COLLEGE PARK, MD — The electric atmosphere inside XFINITY Center on February 21, 2026, was unmistakable, as the Maryland Terrapins delivered a thrilling 64-60 victory over the favored Washington Huskies in a Big Ten showdown. The clash, marked by 13 lead changes and relentless back-and-forth action, will be remembered not just for the final score, but for the heart, hustle, and history that unfolded on the hardwood.
Coming into the contest, Washington was the betting favorite, holding a -3.5 point advantage and a projected 58.5% chance of victory according to predictive models. The Huskies, who boasted a strong offensive pedigree—shooting 47% last season and averaging 79.2 points per game—looked poised to challenge a Maryland squad that had struggled at times this season. The Terrapins, entering the day at 10-16 overall and 3-12 in the Big Ten, were searching for a signature win and a spark to energize their campaign.
From the opening tip, it was clear both teams came to play. Washington jumped out to an early 11-3 lead, flexing their offensive muscle and forcing Maryland to dig deep. But the Terps, buoyed by a raucous home crowd and the return of more than 100 alumni and former staffers, responded with grit and determination. A 9-0 run, capped by a deep three from Guillermo Del Pino, gave Maryland its first lead at 14-13, setting the tone for a game that would see the advantage swing back and forth.
Andre Mills, the sensational freshman guard, was the star of the night. He kept Maryland in the hunt throughout the first half, hitting timely jumpers and connecting on two three-pointers to rack up nine points before the break. Elijah Saunders added a spark from beyond the arc, nailing a three to close the gap to 13-10 and later sinking another to keep the Terps within striking distance. By halftime, Maryland had clawed their way to a 34-32 lead, thanks in part to Del Pino’s second triple and a relentless effort on the glass.
"The game plan was to attack them on the rim as much as possible," Mills said after the game, reflecting on his aggressive approach. That mindset paid off in the second half, as Mills continued his scoring tear, ultimately finishing with 21 points and five assists—his sixth double-digit performance in the last seven games and his third 20+ point outing of the season. "Don’t think. Just make it. I just want to make the plays we need to win," he added, capturing the confidence and focus that defined his play down the stretch.
The second half was a showcase of resilience and execution. Collin Metcalf got things rolling for Maryland with a layup, but Washington answered with free throws to briefly retake the lead. Saunders, ever the sharpshooter, drilled his second and third three-pointers of the game, giving Maryland a 43-40 advantage early in the half. The Huskies, however, refused to go quietly, battling back to seize a 49-47 lead midway through the period—one of many lead changes that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Solomon Washington, Maryland’s dynamic forward, anchored the Terps’ efforts on both ends of the floor. He posted his third consecutive double-double, finishing with 11 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. His dominance on the boards was crucial, as Maryland out-rebounded Washington 36-23, a margin that proved decisive in such a tightly contested affair. "I just play to my strengths. I’m way more comfortable getting to the rim," Washington shared, emphasizing the importance of sticking to what works best for him and the team.
Guillermo Del Pino, in a breakout performance, played a career-high 27 minutes, scoring six points—including two critical three-pointers—and providing the lob assist on Mills’ emphatic game-sealing dunk. Head coach Buzz Williams was effusive in his praise: "I thought Del Pino was our MVP. For him to step in and play 27 minutes was monumental." Williams also highlighted the team’s improved ball movement and rebounding: "Tonight was our highest basket-assist rate of the year. The one thing that correlates on both sides of the ball is our rebounding percentage."
As the clock wound down, the drama only intensified. With 3:32 remaining, Saunders hit his fourth three-pointer to put Maryland up 57-56. Moments later, Mills beat the shot clock with a clutch three-pointer, pushing the Terps ahead 60-58 with just 1:45 left. The Huskies managed to tie the game, but Mills calmly knocked down a pair of free throws to restore the lead with 51 seconds remaining. In the final seconds, Del Pino lofted a perfect lob to Mills, who threw down a thunderous dunk to put the exclamation point on Maryland’s 64-60 triumph.
The win was significant for several reasons. Not only did Maryland even the all-time series with Washington at 1-1, but they also improved their season record to 11-16 overall and 4-12 in conference play. The victory snapped a rough patch and provided a much-needed morale boost as the Terps look to finish the season strong. For Washington, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, especially after entering as the favorite and holding a statistical edge in several key categories.
Despite Washington’s offensive prowess—averaging 79.2 points per game last season and shooting 47% from the field—the Huskies struggled to contain Maryland’s timely shooting and relentless rebounding. The Terps’ defense, which had allowed opponents to shoot 38% from three this season, tightened up at crucial moments, holding the Huskies to just 60 points—well below their season average. Maryland’s ability to limit turnovers and capitalize on second-chance opportunities made all the difference in a game where every possession mattered.
Alumni Day added another layer of excitement, as legends from Maryland’s storied basketball history—including members of the 2001 Final Four team—were honored during the game. The presence of so many former players and staffers seemed to inspire the current roster, who played with a sense of pride and urgency befitting the occasion.
With the win, Maryland now turns its attention to a daunting road matchup against No. 9 Nebraska on February 25. The Terps will look to build on their momentum and continue their late-season surge. As for the Huskies, they’ll need to regroup and refocus as they navigate the home stretch of a competitive Big Ten schedule.
For one unforgettable afternoon in College Park, the Terrapins showed what’s possible when talent, teamwork, and tradition collide. With Andre Mills leading the charge and a passionate crowd behind them, Maryland proved they can rise to the occasion—no matter the odds.