71 replies to this topic

[BSLZackKiesel]

The 2024 Big Ten Tournament bracket is officially set, with 12-seed Maryland set to face off against 13-seed Rutgers on Wednesday evening from Minneapolis. This is the first time that the Terps have failed to earn at least a single bye since joining the conference. They've also never won multiple conference tournament games in a single season since joining the Big Ten.

 

If they can get past the Scarlet Knights, they'll move on to face 5-seed Wisconsin on Thursday afternoon.

 

[BSLZackKiesel]

Rutgers finished their regular season with a record of 15-16 (7-13) in Steve Pikiell's eighth season at the helm. They lost six of their last seven games, including a blowout loss at home to Maryland on February 25th. Earlier that month however, they came away with a three-point victory over the Terps in College Park. The two teams are very similar, led by stifling defenses but hindered by atrocious offenses. The Scarlet Knights simultaneously boast the best defense and the worst offense in the conference, with Kevin Willard's squad right behind them.

 

Since joining the Big Ten, Maryland is 4-8 in conference tournament games. They've never won multiple games in a single tournament, and have never made it past the Semifinals. The Terps have never faced Rutgers in the Big Ten Tournament.

 

KenPom Rankings

• Maryland: #59 (#151 AdjO, #12 AdjD; #304 AdjT)
• Rutgers: #97 (#295 AdjO, #4 AdjD; #156 AdjT)

[Mike in STL]

5 wins should get them in the dance.

[Ravens2006]

5 wins should get them in the dance.

 

Maybe.

[BSLZackKiesel]

Maryland enters as 3.5-point favorites against Rutgers. ESPN gives them a 63.3% chance to win.

[BoomerFT]

They probably have a better chance on a neutral floor. Home floor hasn't been kind to them this year. Actually, they have been terrible at home.

[hallas]

If we win 4 including Purdue is it even close?

 

I recognize how unlikely that is, just curious.  Our NET is 77, I'm not sure if even 4 wins including Purdue gets us in the low-40s for an at-large bid.  I'm honestly surprised our NET ranking is that high.  Even with 4 wins we're probably out, but it might be close. TAMU has 4 Q3 losses (same as us) with 5 Q1 wins and they're at 46, so they'd be extremely borderline.  We'd be up to 4 Q1 wins if we win 4 in the tourney.  We might be able to sneak in if some bubble teams get bounced early in the conference tourney.

[BaltBird 24]

They'd get an automatic bid for winning the B10 tournament. That's their only hope. They'll probably lose today.

[BSLZackKiesel]

If we win 4 including Purdue is it even close?

I recognize how unlikely that is, just curious. Our NET is 77, I'm not sure if even 4 wins including Purdue gets us in the low-40s for an at-large bid. I'm honestly surprised our NET ranking is that high. Even with 4 wins we're probably out, but it might be close. TAMU has 4 Q3 losses (same as us) with 5 Q1 wins and they're at 46, so they'd be extremely borderline. We'd be up to 4 Q1 wins if we win 4 in the tourney. We might be able to sneak in if some bubble teams get bounced early in the conference tourney.

They’ve never even won multiple BTT games, so there’s really no need to worry about 2 wins, much less 3, much less 4.

[BSLMikeLowe]

[Pedro Cerrano]

I actually think we win tonight. Silly me

[BSLZackKiesel]

Starting Five: Young, Harris-Smith, Kaiser, Scott, Reese

This will be Kaiser’s fourth start of the season.

[SonicAttack]

Kick me, Terps minus pts.  

[BSLZackKiesel]

Rutgers could be without as many as five players for this game due to injuries.

[BSLZackKiesel]

Quick back-to-back threes from Scott and Kaiser.

[BSLZackKiesel]

Quick back-to-back threes from Scott and Kaiser.

And now Harris-Smith joins the party. Hot start from beyond the arc for Maryland.

[BSLZackKiesel]

11-0 run for Maryland to start the game.

[BSLZackKiesel]

16-3 Maryland at the under-16.

[BSLChrisStoner]

19-7, under 10.

[hallas]

They’ve never even won multiple BTT games, so there’s really no need to worry about 2 wins, much less 3, much less 4.

It'd be nice if for once we were the cinderella.