A heated rivalry renewed, but victory slipped away. Maryland's Terps faced off against the No. 23 Virginia Cavaliers in a hard-fought basketball game that ended with a score of 80-72 in favor of Virginia. This matchup marked the rekindling of a historic rivalry, and while the Terps showed flashes of brilliance, a strong second-half performance by the Cavaliers sealed their win.
The game, held on Saturday afternoon, saw the Terps (with a record of 6-6) go head-to-head with the Cavaliers (boasting a 10-1 record). The intensity was palpable as these former ACC rivals clashed once more.
Leading the charge for Maryland was David Coit, who showcased his scoring prowess with 15 points, including three crucial three-pointers. Myles Rice also had a solid showing, contributing 12 points and 4 assists. Darius Adams added 9 points and 4 rebounds, while Elijah Saunders chipped in with 10 points against his former team.
The first half was a defensive battle. The Terps' defense was particularly stingy, holding UVA scoreless for nearly 6 minutes – the Cavaliers' longest scoring drought of the season. Maryland's defense also held UVA without a field goal for over 6 minutes. During one impressive stretch, the Terps went on a 19-4 run, fueled by their tenacious defense. In fact, the Terps set new season records for the lowest opponent field goal percentage (25%) and tied for the fewest field goals allowed (9) in that initial half.
The second half began with a promising start for the Terps, who went 4-of-4 from beyond the arc. Coit was particularly hot, scoring all 15 of his points in the second half. However, Virginia responded, ultimately securing the win.
Maryland's dominance on the boards was a highlight, with Solomon Washington grabbing a career-high 12 rebounds. The Terps out-rebounded UVA 41-34. The defense managed to contain UVA's leading scorer, Thijs De Ridder, holding him to just 5 points on 1-of-8 shooting. However, Dallin Hall stepped up for the Cavaliers, scoring 20 points to lead all scorers.
Here's how the game unfolded, quarter by quarter:
1st Half:
- Rice started the scoring for Maryland with a jumper.
- Rice hit a three-pointer, accounting for the Terps' first five points.
- Maryland held Virginia scoreless for over five minutes.
- An Adams jumper gave the Terps a 9-7 lead.
- The Terps' defense kept UVA without a field goal for over six minutes.
- Adams' free throws put Maryland ahead 12-11.
- Mills' three-pointer put Maryland up 17-11.
- Virginia closed the half on a 13-0 run, taking a 24-19 lead into halftime.
2nd Half:
- Coit scored the Terps' first points of the half with a three-pointer.
- Adams hit a three-pointer, cutting the deficit to 33-30.
- Mills' second three-pointer tied the game.
- Coit put Maryland up 35-33.
- Virginia went on a 10-0 run.
- Saunders scored five quick points.
- Rice reached double figures with a three-pointer.
- Coit hit a late three-pointer.
- Virginia secured the 80-72 victory.
Rivalry Revived:
This game marked the 185th meeting between the Terps and the Cavaliers, and the first since 2018. Maryland holds a strong lead in the all-time series, with 108 wins. Their longest winning streak in the series was an impressive 11 games, from 1950 to 1955. Their largest victory was a dominant 102-67 win in 2001.
Double-Digit Performances:
- Coit's 15 points marked his eighth double-digit performance of the season and the 64th of his career. He's scored at least 10 points in each of his last three games.
- Rice's 12 points marked his fourth double-digit game of the season and the 49th of his career.
- Saunders' 10 points marked his fourth double-digit game of the season and the 23rd of his career.
What's Next?
The Terps will conclude their non-conference schedule with a home game against Old Dominion on December 28th. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6 PM and will be broadcast on BTN.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite the loss, the Terps showed moments of brilliance, particularly on defense and rebounding. Do you think they have what it takes to turn things around? What adjustments do you think the team needs to make to be more competitive against ranked opponents? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
