No. 22 Maryland (6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS) takes on Louisville (0-6 SU, 0-6 ATS) from the KFC Yum! Center in Kentucky in the ACC/Big 10 Challenge on Tuesday night at 7pmET.
The Terps are off to a strong start under new head coach Kevin Willard. Their last game took place at home on Friday with a 95-79 win over Coppin State as a 23.5-point favorite.
It's been a huge struggle for Louisville, who was destroyed by Cincinnati 81-62 in the Maui Invitational on Wednesday.
Maryland has won all six of its games including solid wins over Miami-Florida (88-70) and Saint Louis (95-67) at the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off from Uncasville, Conn. The Terps have been successful thus far because they are playing solid defense, ranking 41st in Adjusted Defense according to KenPom.
In a win over Coppin State on Friday, coached by former Maryland great Juan Dixon, the Terps started out slowly, as they led by just 11 at the half. Center Julian Reese scored a career-high 24 points and grabbed 10 boards against a smaller frontcourt. Forward Hakim Hart added 22 points and eight boards, while point guard Jahmir Young contributed 22 points and five rebounds. This was the first time since 2002 that the Terps had three players score at least 20 points in a game.
IAN MARTINEZ
(??: @BigTenPlus ) pic.twitter.com/Hs Lr3uej8j
— Maryland Men's Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) November 25, 2022
Maryland struggled from three-point range (4-19) and allowed the Eagles to shoot 47.4% (9-of-19) from long range.
On the season, Maryland is averaging 82.7 points per game on 49.9% shooting (31% 3pt). They've also outrebounded teams by 9.2 per game. On defense, they are holding teams to just 61.3 points, 39.1% shooting (69th) and 26.3% (32nd) three-point shooting. Senior forward Donta Scott leads the squad with 15 points on 50% shooting (41.7% 3pt) and 6.7 rebounds.
Maryland did not make the NCAA Tournament last season and while the start has been strong, for them to take the next step, they have to improve thei three-point shooting.