The stars were out at Xfinity Center as Maryland Basketball (14-15, 6-12 B1G) took on the No. 22 Ohio State Buckeyes (18-8,11-6 B1G). Juwan Howard, Lonny Baxter, Steve Blake, Hall of Fame coach Gary Williams and the rest of the 2002 National Championship team were in attendance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Maryland’s run to a title. With so many program legends in attendance for such a special occasion, it was important that the Terps put on a show. And put on a show they did.
UMD led for the majority of the game and utterly dismantled the Buckeyes, winning 75-60. It was Maryland’s third victory in four games. Ohio State had won five of seven before suffering the loss. The Terps’ defense held the visitors to their second-lowest scoring output of the season.
Fatts Russell led all scorers with a career-high 27 points. Eric Ayala added 23 points, six rebounds, and a career-high three steals. Donta Scott finished with 14 points and nine boards. Malaki Branham led the Buckeyes with 13 points on 4-13 shooting. Star forward E.J. Liddell was held to just 11 points. After Ohio State won the previous matchup between these sides on February 6 by 15 points, Maryland completely flipped the script.
It truly was an all-around dominant performance from Maryland Basketball. They outshot Ohio State from the field and from three, won the rebounding battle, committed fewer fouls and turnovers, and finished with more assists and steals as a team. Here are takeaways from the 15-point victory.