The Maryland men's basketball team secured a thrilling 79-78 victory against the Indiana Hoosiers Sunday at Assembly Hall, marking their second consecutive win and showcasing their potential during the challenging Big Ten season.
The Terps, who had struggled early this season on the road, entered this matchup with renewed confidence after dominating No. 17 Illinois just days earlier. It was not easy, though, as Indiana put up more of a fight than expected, battling back from behind to make for a nail-biting finish.
Maryland started strong, building and maintaining the lead for much of the game. Rodney Rice emerged as the star of the day, putting up game-high numbers with 23 points, including the pivotal three-pointer with only seven seconds left on the clock. "Rodney Rice knocked down a game-winning three with seven seconds remaining," reported the Associated Press.
While the Terps seemed comfortable for most of the game, they faced pressure from Indiana, which attempted to claw its way back after trailing by ten points. The Hoosiers demonstrated resilience, particularly through Myles Rice and Malik Reneau, cutting the lead to one point just before the thrilling conclusion. After Maryland’s Ja'Kobie Gillespie made a floater to bring the score closer, the Terps were forced to employ the foul strategy to regain possession.
Despite leading for nearly thirty minutes, Maryland's offense struggled late, falling icy as they focused on individual plays. Much of their success earlier was thanks to solid teamwork but faced difficulty as Indiana tightened its defensive grip.
During the game, Indiana showcased their ability to adapt, with Oumar Ballo and Mackenzie Mgbako stepping up offensively. Mgbako, who scored 16 points off 7-of-12 shooting, was instrumental. His effort, alongside Ballo's contributions early, kept Indiana competitive. "Reese and Queen combined for 52 points and 23 rebounds Thursday at No. 17 Illinois, but did not find the same success Sunday," noted InsideMDSports, reflecting on how players’ dynamics adapted differently against Indiana's defense.
Both teams suffered from missed opportunities throughout the game, but Indiana had its share of challenges as well, particularly with free throws. Maryland benefited when Indiana’s Trey Galloway missed his first free throw attempt down the stretch, giving the Terps hope to take the game with their signature fast pace. Galloway’s inability to connect at the line held great importance as Rice later capitalized on the moment by hitting the decisive three-pointer.
This well-fought battle has underlined Maryland’s resilience on the road, contrasting starkly with their previous struggles. They are now 2-4 on the season when playing away, improving their record significantly with the recent wins against determined opponents.
The victory against Indiana solidified the Terps’ position within the Big Ten standings, allowing them to gain sole possession of fifth place, breaking free of the five-way tie they were part of before Sunday’s game. The Terps’ performance has shifted narratives surrounding their ability to compete against other Big Ten teams.
Looking forward, this victory brings momentum as Maryland prepares for their next game against No. 18 Wisconsin at Xfinity Center. With the state of the Big Ten being as competitive as it is, the Terps are now on the radar as they strive for greater victories. Their recent form - riding on three straight wins now - has drastically changed the conversation about the potential of Kevin Willard’s squad.
Maryland’s 79-78 win at Indiana is not just another tally in the standings; it signifies their growth, adaptability, and potential to compete with the best, hinting at more exciting games to come this season. Only time will tell if they can sustain this momentum, but for now, Terps fans have reason to celebrate.