Maryland men’s basketball cruises to 73-55 win over Wisconsin
COLLEGE PARK – After almost shocking top-ranked Purdue on the road, the Maryland men’s basketball team returned home to face Big Ten foe Wisconsin on Wednesday night.
The Terrapins (13-7 overall, 4-5 Big Ten) regained their old form from earlier in the season, as they looked dominant throughout the evening for a 73-55 victory over the Badgers (12-7, 4-5).
Since joining the Big Ten in 2014, Maryland has now beaten conference opponents by 18 or more points eight times.
This win marks the first time the Terps have beaten a Big Ten opponent by that margin since Feb. 28, 2021 (73-55 over Michigan State).
Jahmir Young was the star on the court, scoring 22 points and collecting eight rebounds. It was his sixth 20-point game of the season, as he has averaged 21.6 points over his last five matches.
“It’s been special just playing these last few months in front of them,” said Young. “I love these fans, and I love this arena. It’s an honor to wear Maryland clothes.”
“I think he’s gotten in great shape,” said Maryland head coach Kevin Willard. “But more than anything, I think he’s gotten comfortable with the physicality and length of the league.”
Donta Scott was also vital for Maryland as he finished with a double-double of 14 points and 11 boards. It was his second double-double of the season after putting up 15 points and 11 rebounds against Iowa on Jan. 15.
Other Terrapins that finished in double figures were Julian Reese with 14 points and Hakim Hart with 13 points. Four players combined for 63 of Maryland’s final 73 points.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s Connor Essegian scored a team-high 19 points in the loss.
Both teams went back and forth in the first six minutes of the contest, as they were hot offensively and scored 14 points early on. Young and Scott combined for 12 of those first 14 points.
However, Maryland eventually went on an 8-0 run, capped off by a Scott 3-pointer in transition.
Four more points made it a 12-0 run for Maryland, as they held the Badgers without a point for over four minutes during that span and led 32-28 at the half.
The second half started with a bang for the Terps, as they jumped out to a 49-36 lead in less than five minutes.
Maryland made all of its first eight shot attempts and outscored Wisconsin 17-8 in that span for a 13-point lead, their largest of the night.
The Terrapins continued their dominant run in the second half, as Young put up 11 more points and went a perfect 4 for 4 from the free-throw line.
With over four minutes remaining, his jumper helped Maryland grab its largest lead of the night, sealing the home victory.
File photo by Michael Smith/The Sports Pulse
