COLLEGE PARK, MD - In one of their best all-around team performances the Terps defeated Big Ten foe Nebraska (10-12, 3-8) in front of an energized XFINITY Center, 82-63. This win marks Maryland's largest margin of victory in a Big Ten game since it beat Rutgers 79-59 on Feb. 28, 2017. The Terps (14-7, 5-5) have now won eight consecutive Big Ten conference games at XFINITY, dating back to last season and are 11-1 overall at XFINITY Center.
With an 18-point win over Wisconsin on Wednesday combined with today's 19-point win over the Huskers, the two-game stretch marked the largest margin of victories in back-to-back Big Ten games since Maryland joined the league in 2014-15. It also was the first time since 2009-10 that the Terps had back-to-back 15-plus point wins in league play (Jan. 23 vs. NC State, Jan. 26 vs. Miami).
Maryland was able to attack the Nebraska defense using a 18-9 run at the end of the second half to propel it to a 10 point, 40-30 halftime advantage. The Terps were dialed in from the opening-tip shooting 50 percent from three point range and a perfect 13-13 from the free throw line in the first half.
Utilizing a balanced offensive attack the Terps were propelled to victory by five players, Jahmir Young (18), Don Carey (16), Donta Scott (12), Hakim Hart (11) and Patrick Emilien (10), who scored in double-figures. This is the third time this season the Terps have accomplished this feat having five players reach double figures in wins over Saint Louis (11/19) and Ohio State (01/08).
Breaking Down The Action
- After trading baskets early, the Terps rattled off a 10-0 run to jump in front 18-13 at the 11:48 minute. The run, which happened in less than two minutes, was capped off by a successful three-point play by Young.
- The Cornhuskers fought back into the contest thanks to eight consecutive points from Sam Hoiberg closing the Maryland lead to 22-21 at the 8:19 mark.
- Thanks in part to six points from Patrick Emilien the Terps were able to attack the Nebraska 2-3 zone and finish the final eight minutes of the half on a 18-9 run giving them a 40-30 halftime advantage.
- The Terps utilized a balanced scoring attack to keep Nebraska at a distance before breaking out on a 16-7 run that gave them a 71-62 lead with 6:56 remaining in regulation.
Willard's Take
"I think the biggest thing for us is the assists are great, but the [forced] turnovers are even bigger. I think Hakim over the last few games has played with a very steady pace, finding guys, I think the way he has played and been passing the basketball has made a big difference for us."
"I have great confidence in Don [Carey], he has never stopped putting in the work. It was a matter of time, and was great to see."
Home Cookin'
- Maryland has won eight consecutive Big Ten conference games at XFINITY, including all five games this season and the final three of last season.
- The Terps are 11-1 at home this season with the lone loss coming to No. 8 UCLA.
- The Terps won a program record nine consecutive home Big Ten games in 2014-15 - Maryland's first season in the league. In 2019-20, Maryland won eight straight Big Ten games.
- This is the 29th consecutive year Maryland has won at least 10 games at home, dating to the 1993-94 season.
Double-Figures Update
- Young reached double-digit scoring for the 18th time in 21 games – and seventh game in a row – this season with 18 points. He has now scored at least ten points 93 times in his career.
- Patrick Emilien scored 10 points, marking his second double-figure scoring performance of the season and 29th of his career.
- Don Carey got hot from three reaching double-figures for the sixth time this season and 74th time in his career.
- Scott's 12 points put him in double-figures for the 12th time this season and 57th time in his career.
- Hart's 11-point performance gave him 13 games in double-figures this season and 37th time for his career.
Fear The Jahmir
- Young finished with a game-high 7 assists marking the third time this season he had seven-or-more.
- Along with his 18 points, he was 9-of-9 from the free throw line.
Have A Day Patrick!
- Emilien posted season-highs with 10 points and 7 rebounds for his best overall performance with the Terps.
- He was 3-of-4 from the floor and 4-of-4 from the line.
Donta In The Record Books
- Scott moved up to No. 39 in the all-time scoring records for Maryland with 1,176 career points. Next up is Mike Jones (1,180 from 2003-07).
Notes and Nuggets
- Maryland led 40-30 at the intermission, marking the eighth time this season the Terps held a double-figure halftime lead.
- Maryland improved to 13-0 on the season (18 consecutive dating back to last season) when leading at the break.
- Maryland was 13-of-13 from the free throw line in the first half.
- Maryland's 16 assists tied its season-high previously set in the win over Saint Peter's.
Up Next
- The Terps will close out their three-game home stand on Tuesday, Jan. 31 against Indiana on ESPN2 (9 PM).
