Maryland Beats Marquette 89-82 Despite Pharrel Payne’s Injury
In a thrilling college basketball matchup, the Maryland Terrapins overcame a major obstacle to defeat the Marquette Golden Eagles 89-82. The game took place with just over 12 minutes remaining when star player Pharrel Payne suffered a significant injury. His fall after a powerful dunk left him in visible pain, leading to his exit on a stretcher.
Game Highlights
Despite the loss of Payne, Maryland displayed an inspiring performance. The team rallied back from an eight-point deficit in the second half to secure the victory. This game marked head coach Buzz Williams’ return to Milwaukee, where he had previously coached from 2008 to 2014.
First Half Overview
- Maryland began the game strong, shooting 4-of-4 from three-point range.
- Diggy Coit took advantage of space beyond the arc, sinking three early three-pointers.
- Maryland led 16-7 within the first five minutes, but Marquette’s size allowed them to capitalize on offensive rebounds.
- Payne contributed significantly with nine points on 4-of-4 shooting before foul trouble limited his playtime.
- Maryland struggled offensively without Payne, and Marquette closed the gap to end the half tied at 42.
Second Half Comeback
In the second half, Payne returned but struggled to make an immediate impact. Marquette initially took a six-point lead, taking advantage of Maryland’s turnovers. However, the Terps quickly found their rhythm once again.
- Maryland responded with a 10-0 run fueled by key plays from Isaiah Watts and Darius Adams.
- Marquette’s shooting suffered, as they went 2-of-18 in the final minutes of the game.
- Maryland’s final plays included crucial baskets from Watts and Adams, securing the victory.
Key Statistics
| Team | 3-Point Shooting | Offensive Rebounds | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 48% (12-of-25) | 0 | 4 |
| Marquette | 25% (10-of-40) | 12 | 11 |
Future Implications
While the Terps celebrated their hard-fought win, Payne’s injury raises concerns for Maryland’s upcoming games. His absence may require a shift in the team’s offensive strategy and more responsibility for the remaining squad members. As of now, updates on Payne’s condition are awaited as the season continues. Maryland’s ability to adapt will be crucial moving forward.
