127 replies to this topic

[BSLZackKiesel]

After winning the first three games of their season by 30+ points for the first time in program history, Maryland faces their first real test when they host Marquette on Friday night. The Golden Eagles are also off to a 3-0 start, with victories over Stony Brook, George Mason, and Central Michigan. Shaka Smart is in his fourth season as the Golden Eagles' head coach, and led them to a Sweet Sixteen berth last year.

 

They're led by senior guard Kam Jones, who's averaging 23 points per game while shooting 69% from the field and 53% from beyond the arc. As a team, they haven't shot particularly well from three thus far, but have taken care of the ball well and converted from the free throw line. As is typical with any of Smart's teams, they press well defensively and love to run the floor in transition.

 

Maryland is 1-0 all-time against Marquette, their only meeting coming in Orlando, FL as part of the 2019 Orlando Invitational Tournament.

 

KenPom Rankings

• Maryland: #29 (#77 ORtg, #5 DRtg; #249 AdjT)
• Marquette: #24 (#36 ORtg, #17 DRtg; #75 AdjT)

[BSLZackKiesel]

Student tickets have reportedly yet to sell out for this game, and there are still a decent number of tickets available to the general public.

Not too surprising given the general apathy surrounding the program, but still notable for a matchup against a Top-15 team.

[BSLChrisStoner]

BSL: 3-0 Maryland Hosts 3-0 #15 Marquette
https://baltimorespo...0-15-marquette/

[BSLZackKiesel]

Maryland enters this game as 2.5-point favorites. ESPN gives them a 56.3% chance to win.

[Ravens2006]

Student tickets have reportedly yet to sell out for this game, and there are still a decent number of tickets available to the general public.

Not too surprising given the general apathy surrounding the program, but still notable for a matchup against a Top-15 team.

 

That's a shame. Marquette could be ranked #1 and I doubt folks around here would still get as hyped as they would if it was Kentucky or Duke coming in. But still... I'll assume it will fill up mostly by tip-off, but disappointing. Damon Evans should be on notice as much as Locks at this point. Reasons and/or excuses are whatever they are, but ultimately fan / public interest in the marquee sports is stagnant at best.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Crazy to me that the students are pretty apathetic too

[BaltBird 24]

There was plenty of fan excitement during most of the Turgeon B10 years, especially during the Melo years. The fan excitement will be there if the team is consistently good again.

Last year was bad. Not only was the record not good, but the team wasn't very likeable aside from Young. Really demoralized what was a solid first year from Willard and killed any momentum.

Hopefully they have a good showing tonight to continue the momentum of the early season success.

[BSLMikeLowe]

They’ve had no postseason accomplishment of note for two decades, topped off by two losing seasons in the past three years. That’s a clear and extended downward trend. MD didn’t lose its rabid fan base over a couple games, nor will they return over just a couple wins.

 

The students not claiming all their tickets for this matchup is an eye-opener though. Hopefully it’s a shot across the bow to the administration that they need to start caring and investing in their athletic programs if they want to avoid the embarrassment of a bunch of empty seats on TV for games like this that a lot of the outside world will tune in to watch.

[BaltBird 24]

They had a Sweet Sixteen run and a team very capable of a deep tournament run in the canceled 2020 season in the last decade. Sure, a lot of those teams underperformed expectations most of the time, especially down the stretch, but there was plenty of games and talent on the floor to be excited about.

Will agree that Maryland has to do better at supporting their athletic programs, and basketball is the one sport where they can be true contenders in a sport that people actually pay attention to.

[BSLMikeLowe]

One Sweet 16 in 20 seasons. One. They’ve certainly had some good players come through over that period, and a few exciting regular season wins. But they consistently flamed out when it mattered most, and that’s not going to sustain a fan base that became accustomed to success in March. But don’t take my word for it, let the empty seats tell the story.

[BaltBird 24]

Turgeon's biggest downfall was building talented rosters that faltered as the season went on. Early exits in the conference and NCAA tournaments.

I don't think we'll ever see mid to late 90's and early 00's type Cole Field House excitement around College Park ever again, if that's what we're expecting.

[BSLChrisStoner]

They’ve had no postseason accomplishment of note for two decades, topped off by two losing seasons in the past three years. That’s a clear and extended downward trend. MD didn’t lose its rabid fan base over a couple games, nor will they return over just a couple wins.

 

The students not claiming all their tickets for this matchup is an eye-opener though. Hopefully it’s a shot across the bow to the administration that they need to start caring and investing in their athletic programs if they want to avoid the embarrassment of a bunch of empty seats on TV for games like this that a lot of the outside world will tune in to watch.

 

The lack of postseason accomplishments over an extended period is very true. 

Do think people are a bit apathetic towards buying until they see a bit more. 

But I do think people will quickly buy in if the team gives them reason. 

[BSLChrisStoner]

Turgeon's biggest downfall was building talented rosters that faltered as the season went on. Early exits in the conference and NCAA tournaments.

I don't think we'll ever see mid to late 90's and early 00's type Cole Field House excitement around College Park ever again, if that's what we're expecting.

 

Xfinity has rocked plenty of times. 

Despite the lack of postseason accomplishments, there have been a number of very solid to goods team and consistently strong environments.   First three Big Ten teams were all Top 3 in Conference... '19-'20 was a very good team, with a great environment. 

 

Everything has been off kilter since '20, but even since then there have been Flash Mob moments and glimpses of what MD can be like. 

 

 

 

The crowd tonight will be what it is. 
If there is a problem, I'm part of it, because I'd rather watch from home vs. go out to the game. 
But hopefully the kids are out and have a good time...   and hopefully MD is ready to compete against a quality, experienced, well coached team.

[BSLMikeLowe]

The lack of postseason accomplishments over an extended period is very true. 

Do think people are a bit apathetic towards buying until they see a bit more. 

But I do think people will quickly buy in if the team gives them reason. 

They’ll for sure come back if the team proves to be a consistent winner. I just think it could take  more sustained success than maybe others do, particularly stronger showings in March.

[BSLRoseKatz]

Student section sold out

 

https://x.com/Terrap...467250447421786

 

And also Marquette isn't really a huge brand, they're definitely a pretty solid program but they don't play football and have only made the Sweet 16 once in the past ten years. Even if they're #15, they're not gonna raise eyebrows for casual fans compared to playing a #15-ranked team with a bigger brand, I'd imagine facing #20 Florida for example would draw a better crowd

[BSLZackKiesel]

Starting Five: Gillespie, Harris-Smith, Miguel, Reese, Queen

[BSLZackKiesel]

Tip-off is officially scheduled for 8:10 PM ET.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Pretty floater.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Queen follow

[BSLChrisStoner]

Another basket for Gillespie.