Terps Face Georgetown in Exciting Home Opener This Friday
Maryland will face Georgetown in a thrilling home opener this Friday at the XFINITY Center in College Park, Maryland. This matchup marks a highly anticipated return of the storied DMV rivalry, the first clash between these teams since November 15, 2016. The game is scheduled to begin at 6 PM and will be broadcast on FS1. Fans can also catch the action live via the Maryland Sports Radio Network.
Recent Performance
The Terps enter the game with a record of 1-0 after a convincing 83-61 victory against Coppin State. In that game, Pharrel Payne led the team with 21 points. Maryland made history by sinking 10 three-pointers, the largest in a season opener. The Terps boast an impressive 48-game winning streak in home openers, ranking third nationally.
Team Composition and Key Players
This season’s squad is markedly different from last year’s Sweet Sixteen team, featuring 15 new players, including five freshmen. The only returning player is junior guard Lukas Sotell. Among the new additions, Payne and Myles Rice bring essential experience as consistent starters, while Elijah Saunders and Solomon Washington have also had significant college careers.
- Pharrel Payne: 21 points in last game, strong experience in the Big Ten.
- Myles Rice: Aiming for 1,000 career points this season.
- Elijah Saunders: Part of the 2022-23 San Diego State’s national runner-up team.
- Solomon Washington: Contributed to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances at Texas A&M.
Milestones and Achievements
Four players, including David Coit and Pharrel Payne, are on track to play in their 100th career game this season. Coit leads the team with 1,237 career points as they look to build on that momentum.
Coaching Change and Expectations
Buzz Williams took over as head coach on April 2, 2025, following a successful tenure at Texas A&M. Williams aims to be among the few coaches to achieve 100 career wins at four different institutions. He has already secured 100 wins at three power conference schools, positioning him among the top coaches in NCAA Division I history.
Historical Context
The Maryland vs. Georgetown rivalry has a rich history dating back to 1911. Maryland leads the all-time series with 38 wins to Georgetown’s 27. The teams have faced each other sporadically since the 2000s, including memorable matches that featured legendary coaches like Lefty Driesell and John Thompson.
Promotions for Fans
Friday’s game will feature the Gold Rush promotion, with fans receiving special t-shirts and participating in giveaways. Upcoming fan-favorite promotions include:
- Red Out against Michigan on December 13
- Pink Out against Purdue on February 1
- Black Out against Ohio State on February 5
- Checker Flag Game against Illinois on March 8
For more details on promotions and ticket sales, fans can visit the El-Balad website. Don’t miss this exciting home opener as the Terps take on the Hoyas!
