Maryland (4-1) looks to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they face Rutgers in the Big Ten Conference opener.
Maryland’s 67-51 loss at Clemson was described as “humbling” by head coach Mark Turgeon before acknowledging that sometimes being “punched in the mouth” early in the season is good.
In the loss, Aaron Wiggins and Darryl Morsell shot a combined 4-20 from the floor.
There’s no doubt that Maryland’s struggles on offense impacted them on defense. Clemson was efficient in their secondary break as the transitioned into their offense.
Rutgers Ron Harper Jr. has been the offensive engine for the Scarlet Knights. Harper Jr. had 26 points in their win over Syracuse. He leads to team in scoring at 22.3 ppg.
6′ 2″ guard Jacob Young is coming off a 15 point-10 assist performance. If Morsell is matched up with Young, this will be one of the key matchups of the night.
Rutgers could be without senior guard, Geo Baker. He has has a high ankle sprain. Even if he plays, he will probably be less than 100%.
Key for a Maryland Victory
Morsell and Wiggins Must Be Better
Wiggins season has been somewhat a strange one. He has struggled in first halves this season but it has seemed to have morphed into a slump. Wiggins offensive numbers continue to drop when compared to his first two seasons in College Park.
He’s shooting a career low 31.6% from the three point line and, in the last three games, he’s 7-23 from the field.
Morsell hasn’t been much better. Over the last two games, he’s shooting 2-14 and he’s turned the ball over seven times with only four assists.
At times, Morsell is attacking where there’s no lane. This could be a sign that he’s lost a little confidence in his shot. Whatever it is, the Terps need for it to be figured out.
Prediction
Despite coming off their first loss of the season, Maryland enters tonight in a pretty good position. This will be Rutgers first road game and, if they do have Baker, he will be less than 100%.
That should be enough for this to be a bounce-back win for Maryland.
Photo Credit: Maryland Athletics
