In what was a highly anticipated early-season matchup between the DMV’s two most prestigious programs, the Georgetown Hoyas dominated the Maryland Terrapins from tip off until the final buzzer. After the Hoyas strolled into Maryland and handed the Terps a 10 point loss last season, Maryland fans and players were hungry for revenge. Despite the support of the large Maryland contingency that made the trip down to Capital One Arena, Georgetown spoiled any plans for revenge, draining 15 threes, their most in a game since 2010. After another double-digit Hoya victory (86-74), the title of the DMV’s top dog will stay in the Nation’s Capital.
Flow of the Game
After Maryland Guard DJ Wagner (Sr.) converted an and-one free throw coming out of the under-four media timeout, the Terps cut the Hoyas’ first half lead to just six. In the final 3:35 of the first half, however, Georgetown went on a 12-2 run, establishing a comfortable 44-28 lead at the break.
The Terps’ misfortunes continued after the intermission as they committed four defensive fouls on Georgetown’s first possession of the half. By the under-sixteen media timeout, the Hoyas had jumped out to a 56-33 lead. With nearly 40% of the game still remaining, this one was all but over.
The final score fails to represent just how dominant the Hoyas truly were. After Hoyas’ Center Vince Iwuchukwu converted a free throw with 4:35 remaining, Georgetown’s lead stood at 26 (81-55). Though the Terps made a respectable push late, finishing the game on a 19-5 run, much of the Maryland faithful wasn’t there to see it, having long since streamed towards the exits to catch the Metro back to College Park.
Standout Performances
The Hoyas were lead by point guard Jaland Lowe (Sr.) who lit it up from behind the arc all night, converting 5-8 attempts from deep on his way to 22 points. In addition to leading the Hoyas in scoring, Lowe dished out a team-high eight assists. Furthermore, the senior guard grabbed five rebounds and played physical defense all night, even when he was switched onto Maryland’s forwards.
Elmarko Jackson (Sr.), Lowe’s backcourt partner, tallied 17 points on 3-5 from long range. Kayvaun Mulready (Jr.) let if fly from deep all night, converting 5-9 attempts from behind the arc in a 15 point effort. Known for his defensive intensity in addition to his three point shooting, Mulready also came up with three steals.
In a game where the Georgetown big men needed to be at their best, they met the moment on both ends of the floor. Iwuchukwu recorded 12 points while Chol Machot (Jr.) was a menace near the rim, racking up five blocks.
Maryland forward Pharrel Payne (Sr.) was undoubtedly the biggest bright spot for the Terps. Payne led the Terps in scoring, recording 28 points on 10-14 from the field and 8-8 from the foul stripe. He was the only Terp to score more than 15.
Ultimately, the biggest difference in the game was Georgetown’s shooting from long range. Whereas Maryland shot just 3-20 (15%) from behind the arc, the Hoyas converted 15 threes on 30 attempts, good for a staggering 50% from deep. Another key team stat was the assist to turnover ratio. While both teams coughed the ball up 14 times, the Hoyas created strong looks for one another all night, finishing with 19 assists as a team. Maryland notched just 9.
Outlook
This was a crucial non-conference win for Georgetown who must stack quality wins if they wish to earn their first at-large bid to the NCAA tournament since 2015. The Hoyas face Delaware State on Tuesday at McDonough Arena before a critical matchup at Clemson on Friday.
While this loss stings for the Terps, Maryland has a plethora of opportunities to add pivotal non-conference wins to their resume, starting with a date with No. 9 Virginia in College Park on Friday.
Photo by Georgetown Hoops on X
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