No. 9 Maryland Men's Basketball vs Rutgers Prediction, Preview
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 4, 2020, 7PM EST
Location: Xfinity Center, College Park, Maryland
TV Channel: FS1
Maryland (17-4) made a big leap in the latest AP poll, jumping from No. 15 to No. 9. They have won their last four games against Big Ten opponents, including two big comeback wins on the road against Northwestern and Indiana.
In their latest victory, the Terrapins defeated No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes 82-72 at the Xfinity Center behind Anthony Cowan's career-high 31 points.
As for Rutgers (16-6), they have won three of the last five games. In their most recent game against Michigan, the Scarlet Knights lost 69-63 that pushed them out of the AP poll.
Get to know the opponent
HC Steve Pikiell
Pikiell is coaching in his fourth year with Rutgers, but his 15th year as a head coach in his career. Rutgers is enjoying their best season in Pikiell's tenure, as they are 16-6. In the prior three seasons, the Scarlet Knights did not have a plus .500 record. His coaching record with Rutgers is 60-60. He might be best remembered for his time with Stony Brook, when he led them to the NCAA tournament in 2015.
G Ron Harper
The 6-foot-6 245-pound sophomore is leading the Scarlet Knights in scoring, averaging 11.6 points per game. He has been a quality player as a scorer and rebounder, being one of the bigger guards in college basketball.
F Akwasi Yeboah
Yeboah is Rutgers' top player from behind the arc, making a team-high 38.7 percent from 3-point range. He is also second on the team in points, averaging 9.9 points per game.
G Geo Baker
Baker has been a valuable combo guard for the Scarlet Knights. He made the game-winning shot against Nebraska in a thrilling buzzer-beater victory. He is also a quality defender, averaging 1.4 steals and 3.5 assists per game. This junior is quietly having a breakout season with Rutgers.
C Myles Johnson
Johnson is big, standing a 6-foot-11 255 pounds. He should be talked about more, as he has a 65.9 field goal percentage. Although he is not much of a scorer averaging only nine points per game, he leads the team averaging eight rebounds and 1.6 blocks. He is Rutgers' best defender and it should be fun to see him go head to head with Jalen Smith.
Prediction
Just like Maryland, Rutgers has been amazing at home but struggles mightily on the road. The Scarlet Knights are 1-4 in away games and they will face a Terrapins team that remains undefeated (12-0) at the Xfinity Center. Although Rutgers is a talented team, expect the Terrapins to continue their winning ways at home against another Big Ten team.
