By Khuyen Dinh
Medill Reports
It doesn’t take long for familiarity to build in college basketball. In just the third meeting ever between Maryland and Oregon — and the second this season — the Terrapins flipped the script with a statement 70–60 victory in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament before their run ended Wednesday with a second-round loss to Iowa.
The Ducks had defeated Maryland in their first two meetings since Oregon joined the Big Ten in 2024, including a 10-point victory Jan. 2.
Maryland entered the season in transition after a coaching change and significant roster turnover, finishing the regular season 12–20 overall and 4–16 in Big Ten play in coach Buzz Williams’ first year.
“Our team has changed a lot relative to the roster and how it’s utilized,” Williams said. “We’ve been in a pretty good rhythm for how we handle prep for our opponent.”
When looking back at their game earlier this season, Maryland forward Elijah Saunders attributes their improvement to their focus on reducing turnovers. Maryland committed 10 turnovers Tuesday, two below their season average.
Maryland also held a strong advantage on the boards, outrebounding Oregon 38-28.
“I just felt we were able to defend the rebound at a higher level than we have been earlier in the season,” Saunders said.
The difference was stark from their January meeting, when Oregon controlled the pace and forced Maryland into costly mistakes. Defense wasn’t the only factor behind Maryland’s surge. The Terrapins placed five players in double figures, led by David “Diggy” Coit’s 17 points.
“I think (the win) gives us the right momentum if we take advantage of it, knowing that we played a game.” Coit said. “I think we know at least what we have to do on the court together, being on the same page, talking, communicating, being great teammates.”
Maryland’s defense set the tone early, holding Oregon to just 21 points by halftime — the fewest points the Terrapins have allowed in a half since American managed only eight in the first half on Nov. 22, 2003. Maryland was able to keep its lead in the second half by a wide margin, leading by as many as 24 points.
“I know we missed shots, but we gave into it, and bad teams give into it,” Oregon coach Dana Altman said. “When the shot’s not falling, their energy level goes way down.”
When it mattered, Maryland came through.
“I thought we played from start to finish in the first half probably as well as any half that we’ve played,” Williams said. “We absorbed their two magnificent runs with as much maturity as we have had at any point in the season.”
Khuyen Dinh is a sports media specialization graduate student at Medill.