Witness The Terps’ Nonconference Swan Song: Maryland Basketball’s Season Finale Preview
As the University of Maryland men’s basketball team prepares for its final nonconference game of the 2022-23 season, a sense of anticipation hangs in the air. The Terrapins, with an impressive 10-2 record, will face off against the Coppin State Eagles on December 22 at the Xfinity Center before embarking on their Big Ten Conference schedule.
A Season of Ups and Downs
Maryland’s season has been a tale of highs and lows. They opened with four consecutive wins, including an impressive victory over then-No. 13 Louisville. However, they stumbled upon losses to Virginia and Purdue before rebounding with six straight wins. Most recently, the Terps suffered a disappointing 63-51 defeat to George Mason.
Despite these setbacks, Maryland has shown flashes of brilliance. Jahmir Young, a transfer from Charlotte, has emerged as a dynamic guard, averaging 16.9 points per game. Forward Julian Reese has also impressed, posting 14.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. The team’s defense has been solid, allowing just 64.9 points per game.
A Challenging Nonconference Finale
Coppin State presents a formidable challenge for Maryland’s nonconference finale. The Eagles, led by veteran coach Juan Dixon, are 7-5 this season and have a history of upsetting larger programs. In 2019, they stunned No. 1 seed Auburn in the NCAA Tournament.
Coppin State’s offense is led by senior guard Justin Steers, who averages 19.0 points per game. Forward Nendah Tarke is also a scoring threat, averaging 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. The Eagles will test Maryland’s defense with their athleticism and up-tempo style of play.
Maryland’s Big Ten Aspirations
Maryland’s nonconference performance will serve as a barometer for their success in the Big Ten. The conference is expected to be highly competitive this season, with several teams vying for NCAA Tournament bids. The Terps will face a challenging schedule that includes road games at Purdue, Michigan State, and Illinois.
A strong finish to the nonconference schedule would provide Maryland with momentum heading into Big Ten play. It would also allow the team to fine-tune their rotations and develop their chemistry before facing tougher competition.
Key Takeaways
Maryland’s nonconference finale against Coppin State is a crucial opportunity for the Terrapins to prepare for the challenges of Big Ten play.
The Terps must overcome Coppin State’s athleticism and up-tempo style of play.
A strong finish to the nonconference schedule would provide Maryland with momentum and confidence heading into Big Ten play.
The Big Ten is expected to be highly competitive this season, with Maryland facing a challenging schedule.
Conclusion
Maryland’s nonconference swan song against Coppin State is a pivotal moment in the team’s season. A strong performance could propel the Terps to success in the Big Ten, while a loss could raise questions about their readiness for conference play. As the final whistle approaches, the Xfinity Center will be filled with anticipation and intrigue, as Maryland looks to close out its nonconference schedule with a triumphant note.
