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The Hoosiers come into this matchup with a record of 5-1. The competition has not been great, but the Hoosiers seem to be getting into a flow with many new faces on the floor for them. Maryland is 4-3 and has lost to the best teams they have played. The Terps are struggling, and it will be interesting to see how former Hoosier Jordan Geronimo responds to being back in Bloomington.
Indiana wasted no time rebuilding their size after Trayce Jackson-Davis joined the NBA. Indiana currently stands as the fifth tallest team and has shown off its size immediately upon their arrival back into their conference.
Indiana has been highly efficient in the paint, shooting over 60% on 2-pointers to rank 14th nationally. Indiana sophomore Malik Reneau and Oregon transfer Kel’el Ware share much of the credit here; their combined shooting accuracy is 62% from the field.
Maryland will present an intriguing challenge, as their strength lies in defense. Yet 58% of points allowed this season by Maryland have come from within the paint.
At first glance, the Terrapins stand out for their experience. According to KenPom, they rank 48th-most experienced team in the country, and many of their leaders have become household names if you have followed Big 10 for any length of time.
However, Maryland hasn’t had much success on offense: Maryland ranks 116th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 269th in effective field goal percentage.
Maryland’s offensive woes stem from Jahmir Young and Julian Reese. Neither star has had an impressive start; Young is shooting 38% from the field, while Reese stands out with 56% shooting efficiency.
Tonight’s matchup could only exacerbate their shooting woes, as Indiana has a tremendous front line that can control a game, providing Reese with limited low-block space. At the same time, Young must drive hard into traffic in every drive attempt. Success for the Terrapins may depend on their ability to convert high-percentage looks; otherwise, it could quickly unravel.
Indiana will be too strong on the inside and should be able to control the tempo; look for a solid Hoosier win. Indiana 74 Maryland 69.
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