In the penultimate nonconference game of the season, the Maryland men's basketball team (9-2, 1-1 Big Ten) will face off against Syracuse (5-5, 0-1 ACC) in the Nutrafol Gotham Classic. This matchup at Barclays Center in Brooklyn marks a significant test for the Terps before they conclude their nonconference schedule with a home game on December 28. Maryland comes into this contest following an impressive 111-57 victory over St. Francis, where all five starters scored in double figures. Syracuse, however, has struggled recently, losing three of its last four games. The two teams have not met since November 2017, when Syracuse edged Maryland 72-70 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge.
Game Details and Team Insights
The showdown between Maryland and Syracuse is set for Saturday, December 21, at noon EST, taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. ESPN will broadcast the game live, with Dave O’Brien handling play-by-play and Jay Williams providing analysis. Fans can also stream the game via WatchESPN or listen to it on the Maryland Sports Radio Network.
Maryland’s recent performance has been nothing short of stellar. Their win over St. Francis showcased a balanced attack, with Selton Miguel leading the charge with 24 points. The Terps' high-scoring output marked their best performance since 2005. In contrast, Syracuse under second-year head coach Adrian "Red" Autry has faced challenges. The Orange have lost three out of their last four games, including a close defeat to Georgetown. Without key player JJ Starling, who averages nearly 20 points per game but has been sidelined due to injury, Syracuse has relied on freshmen like Donnie Freeman and Elijah Moore to step up. Freeman, a highly touted recruit from Washington, D.C., has emerged as the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 13.4 points per game.
Syracuse’s defense has shifted away from its traditional zone, ranking 167th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. They excel at limiting offensive rebounds but struggle with turnovers and shooting accuracy. Maryland, currently ranked No. 8 in the NET rankings, sees this game as an opportunity to solidify their standing before heading into the new year. With a large fan presence expected at Barclays Center, this neutral-site matchup promises to be one of the most attended in the venue's history.
From a journalist's perspective, this game underscores the importance of adaptability and depth in college basketball. For Maryland, it’s a chance to build momentum and confidence heading into the heart of conference play. For Syracuse, despite recent setbacks, this match offers an opportunity to showcase resilience and the development of their young talent. Both teams stand to gain valuable experience from this encounter, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal season ahead.