Game Day Essentials: Game #19 at Maryland

Maryland Info

Head Coach: Mark Turgeon
Location: College Park, MD
Conference: B1G 10
Nickname: Terrapins, Terps
Mascots: Testudo

KenPom rank: 32

Point Spread: Maryland by 10.5

Depth: 7+

Last time Nebraska has played the same team on consecutive days: @Hawaii - Dec 2-3, 1976

Last time Nebraska has played the same conference opponent on consecutive days: Iowa St - March 4-5, 1921 (Missouri Valley Conference)

Last time Nebraska has played the same team twice in a row, non-consecutive days: Baylor - March 7th and March 11th, 2009

Players to watch:  Donta Scott

The 6'7" 230# sophomore post player operates as either the 4 or the 5 for this Maryland team that lacks a true center.  Scott leads the team in blocks and rebounds and is 3rd in scoring.  A three level bucket maker, Scott is shooting 46% from 3, 58% from 2, and 70% from the FT line

Players to watch:  Aaron Wiggins

Nebraska didn't have much of an answer for athletic wing Aaron Wiggins on Tuesday who got to the rim at will and finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds

Roster points

Not counting off-injured 7'2" center Chol Marial, Maryland doesn't have a player over 6'9" 235#. However, they are KenPom's #16 team in average height due to their length at all other positions. Maryland typically deploys a lineup where everyone is 6'5" or taller

• Wiggins is their bucket getter, taking the highest percentage of shots by a decent clip when out on the court. Not hitting from anywhere above an average % other than the FT line
• Eric Ayala is a ball handler hitting from a decent percentage outside 
• Morsell is one of Maryland's best defenders and a 'glue guy'. Shares ball handling duties with Ayala. Not a great outside shooter
• Hart has been in and out of the starting lineup. Knifing player who can get to the rim.
• Boston College transfer 6'8" 235# PF Jairus Hamilton allows Maryland to roll out multiple forwards capable of hitting from outside. While the junior is providing shooting off the bench, he's not doing a ton in terms of rim protection or rebounding
• Alabama PF transfer Galin Smith provides rim protection and rebounding but is seeing limited minutes as his lack of outside shooting and propensity for fouls makes him a fish out of water.
• Freshmen combo guards Aquan Smart or Reese Mona might see a few minutes if anyone gets in foul trouble. Look for Nebraska to attack them immediately on offense if they're on the court.

The Skinny:

The first half went pretty well to script right up until the end when Maryland sank a lightly contest half court shot and Derrick Walker was held out due to not feeling well.  At this point Walker's availability is unknown and may not be until Nebraska announces their starting lineup. Walker shores up the paint, gives Nebraska a chance at a high percentage 2 in the paint, and generally keeps everyone chilled on the court so him playing matters.

Effort is there for this overworked Huskers team and the defensive numbers back that up.  The problem is that offensively Nebraska just can't put it together.  It's either too many turnovers or not enough movement or not enough ability to take these salty B1G teams off the dribble not to mention the missed bunnies and FTs. Since coming back from the pause they've been unable to crack a point per possession and have been held under .8 per possession in four of six games. 

Really want to pick Nebraska to bounce back against a team in Maryland you have to figure won't take this game quite as seriously but just can't do it given I don't think Walker plays much or at all.

Prediction: Maryland 70 - Nebraska 63