Another Maryland Big Ten conference game, another match-up against a ranked opponent.
The Terps (3-7, 9-8) play 24th ranked Purdue tomorrow night in College Park. Maryland is 2-5 against ranked opponents this season.
The two teams met in West Lafayette where the Terps fell late, 73-70. “We’ve gotten a lot better since that game,” said head coach Mark Turgeon.
Maryland has proven that they can run with almost anyone in the conference. “We’ve proven if we’re locked in and everybody’s on the same page that we can play with just about anybody except Michigan.”
The Boilermakers have won 5 out of their last 6 games. Their only loss during that stretch came to Michigan. Purdue is led by Trevion Williams (15.4 points, 9.8 rebounds per game). In the first meeting, the Terps limited Williams to just 10 points.
Brandon Newman was the difference maker in the first game. “He was great against us in that that building,” said Turgeon. “He was the difference. Newman is coming off a career-high 29 points against Minnesota.
Keys:
Protect Home Court
Maryland hasn’t won a conference home game all season. Yes, you read that correctly. In the four home conference losses, the Terps have loss by an average of 13 points per game. “We’ve got to change our mentality at home,” said Turgeon.
The lack of a home crowd impacts teams differently but Maryland has been impacted more than others. “We’ve the best team in the Big Ten in the last three years at home and our fans have a heck of a lot to do with that.”
Ayala Bounce Back
Eric Ayala is coming off a rough outing against Wisconsin. Ayala shot 1-10 from the floor but that wasn’t what disappointed Turgeon the most. “The worst part was, he decided not to guard”.
Ayala is looking to respond against the Boilermakers on the defensive end. “Definitely my defensive energy,” said Ayala. “Just not being in the right spots.”
Win the Boards
Maryland is 8-0 when the have more rebounds than their opponents. In the first game, Purdue was +10 on the boards.
