In a surprising twist, the Maryland Terps faced an unexpectedly competitive challenge from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks. Despite being heavily favored, the Terps only managed to pull away in the final minutes, securing an 81-66 victory in their last non-conference game before diving into the heart of the season.

A Wake-Up Call for the Terps Before Conference Play

The Battle Unfolds: An Unexpected Struggle

The Terps were expected to cruise through this match as a final warm-up before conference play. However, the game took an unexpected turn when the Hawks kept the contest close until the final stretch. With just 10 minutes remaining, Maryland only led by six points, sending coach Kevin Willard into a visible fury on the sidelines. The Hawks' resilience was evident, as they capitalized on late shot-clock baskets and hustle plays, keeping the crowd on edge.Despite the initial struggle, Maryland eventually found its rhythm. The team's big men, Derik Queen and Julian Reese, played pivotal roles in sealing the win. Queen recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Reese added 23 points and 11 rebounds. Their chemistry has been developing throughout the season, especially against undersized opponents like UMES. This dynamic duo has become a formidable force for the Terps, providing stability and scoring options when the team needs it most.

Offensive Lapses Highlight Concerns

Maryland's offense, which had been firing on all cylinders in recent weeks, hit a rough patch during this game. The Terps struggled to generate points efficiently, managing only 1.17 points per possession—a stark contrast to their previous performances. The team's three-point shooting was particularly cold, hitting just 27.8% from beyond the arc. This decline resulted in a drop of five spots in KenPom’s rankings, landing them at No. 16.The lackluster performance raised questions about the team's readiness for upcoming challenges. Coming off a break and facing another overmatched opponent, the Terps seemed to lose some of their sharpness. The sluggish pace and low-level competition may have contributed to their off night. However, fans and analysts alike are hopeful that this is merely a temporary setback, especially given the team's overall success this season.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Higher Stakes

With the non-conference slate now complete, the Terps can reflect on a strong start to the season. They finished with a 10-1 record, their best since 2019. That year, Maryland boasted an elite point guard in Anthony Cowan and a five-star forward in Jalen Smith, forming one of the program's best teams in recent memory. The current squad, led by Derik Queen and Julian Reese, shows similar promise. As they prepare to face tougher competition in Washington and Oregon, the Terps must address the issues exposed in this game. The upcoming matches will test their mettle and determine whether they can replicate the success of the 2019 team. Fans are eager to see how Maryland adapts and evolves, setting the stage for what could be another memorable season.