IU Basketball Faces Maryland: What to Expect

On Wednesday night, Indiana University will face off against the University of Maryland at the Xfinity Center in College Park. This matchup is crucial for both teams, particularly for Indiana as they seek their first road victory of the season. The game is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. ET tipoff and will be broadcast on BTN.

Recent Performance

The Hoosiers are riding a three-game winning streak and hope to build on that momentum. In contrast, Maryland stands at 7-7 with a 0-3 record under new coach Buzz Williams. The Terps endured a difficult offseason, transitioning their roster significantly after Kevin Willard departed for Villanova. Despite a Sweet Sixteen appearance last season, Maryland is currently projected to finish with a record of 12-19 overall and 5-15 in the Big Ten, as indicated by KenPom.com.

Key Players to Watch

Maryland’s leading scorer, Pharrel Payne, is a vital player who has been sidelined due to a knee injury. He averages 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game but has missed the last three games. His potential return could be pivotal for the Terps. Without him, the team has adopted a more guard-heavy lineup.

Standout Performers

• David Coit: A senior transfer from Kansas, Coit has been a key offensive contributor, averaging 13.3 points per game and hitting 37 three-pointers at a 42.5% success rate.
• Darius Adams: A freshman with a varied shooting efficiency, Adams averages 12.5 points but struggles significantly from the field.
• Isaiah Watts: Another transfer, Watts has also started to emerge as a reliable scorer for Maryland.

Team Strategies

Maryland frequently relies on high-volume three-point shooting, taking approximately 44.9% of their shots from beyond the arc. However, their shooting average of 32.8% puts them below average nationally. To improve their performance, the Terps focus on offensive rebounds and free-throw opportunities, ranking 28th in the nation for free-throw rate. Defensively, they force a decent number of turnovers but struggle against opponents’ shooting efficiency.

Indiana’s Road Challenges

Despite their home success, Indiana has struggled away from Bloomington. They have lost all three of their games on the road this season. Their defeats came against Minnesota, Louisville, and Kentucky, where they found it challenging to maintain shooting efficiency or limit free-throw attempts against them.

Matchup Outlook

The KenPom prediction favors Indiana with a projected 73% chance of winning, while Bart Torvik’s model gives them an 82% chance. However, Indiana’s inability to secure wins on the road raises concerns about their chances. If Payne returns for Maryland, the game could take a dramatic turn, making this matchup a crucial test for both teams.

For Indiana, securing a win is essential not only for their morale but also for strengthening their potential NCAA tournament candidacy this season.