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Maryland Basketball: 3 keys to victory for the Terrapins against Villanova

By Blake Hinckley

Mar 1, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Jahmir Young (1) looks to pass as Ohio State Buckeyes guard Isaac Likekele (13) defends during the first half at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Jahmir Young (1) looks to pass as Ohio State Buckeyes guard Isaac Likekele (13) defends during the first half at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Head coach Kevin Willard of Maryland Basketball speaks with DeShawn Harris-Smith  (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Head coach Kevin Willard of Maryland Basketball speaks with DeShawn Harris-Smith  (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) /

In the final Gavitt Games, Maryland Basketball will take on Villanova in an important early season clash. Both of these teams have struggled out of the gate; Maryland dropped two games in the Asheville Championship to Davidson and UAB, while Villanova lost at Penn in a Big 5 matchup.

While neither team was considered a National Title contender heading into the season, both fanbases had hopes that their teams would at least make the second weekend of the tournament. An opening week led to more questions than answers, and a loss in this game could be a brutal blow moving forward.

The Terrapins had high hopes for the year as they returned a significant part of their core from last season and brought in some freshman with serious potential. After losses to Davidson and UAB, they will look to turn things around on Friday. They are shooting an abysmal 22% from deep and at times appear to be asleep on the defensive side of the ball. If they want to beat an experienced Villanova team they will have to show a sense of urgency for all 40 minutes.

Villanova hit the transfer portal hard in response to a disappointing year, adding TJ Bamba, Hakim Hart (revenge spot), Tyler Burton and Lance Ware. The Wildcats have a ton of talent on paper, but they haven’t been the same team since Jay Wright walked away. If they hope to rebound from their first loss they will have to clean things up on both sides of the ball.

There probably isn’t such thing as a ‘must-win’ game a week into the season, but this game is extremely important for both teams. A win could quell any concerns and spark the victor with confidence moving forward, whereas a loss could seriously make both of these teams question what the rest of the season has in store.

Let’s take a look at Maryland’s three keys to the game to walk away with a victory.

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