Defense leads No. 12 Maryland to 67-55 win over No. 11 Ohio State

Maryland continues to play their best basketball of the season as they extend their win streak to three

Behind another quality defensive showing by Maryland, the Terrapins (13-2) defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes (11-4) 67-55 Tuesday night at the Xfinity Center. Maryland, after the departures of the Mitchell twins to the transfer portal, has won three straight games. Two of their last three wins were against Big Ten teams.

Their win against Ohio State was Maryland's first meeting with a Top 25 opponent this season.

The Terrapins were down by as many as eight point to start the game, as the Kaleb and Andre Wesson helped the Buckeyes take an 8-0 lead within the opening five minutes. From there, Maryland would end up cutting the deficit and made a run of their own that eventually helped them take the lead.

Maryland went on a 12-3 run after their scoreless start with big contributions from Eric Ayala and Jalen Smith. Their stifling defensive effort pushed the Terrapins to a 28-22 lead by halftime which carried over into the second half as well. 

Although a lot of the praise can go on the team's overall defensive performance, Maryland's offense was equally as good. 

Senior guard Anthony Cowan Jr led all players with 20 points, including making 10-of-12 from the free throw line. Ayala continues to be a quality player off the bench, being Maryland's top reserve player with nine points. The team as a whole made 45.7 percent of their shot from the field, while Ohio State made only 31.3 percent.

The Terrapins continue to be one the best college basketball teams in the nation, as they have made significant strides in their last three wins. 

Mark Turgeon and the Terrapins will return to action on Friday as they travel to Iowa City to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes (10-4).