Maryland experienced a low point in their season with a loss to Northwestern on Jan. 16, dropping their road record to 0-4 in the Big Ten. Criticism of coach Kevin Willard intensified, with concerns that his teams struggle in hostile environments. Fast forward two months, and Maryland (23-7, 13-6) has turned things around. They now sit at No. 13 in the AP poll, having addressed their road struggles and are on the verge of securing a double-bye in the upcoming conference tournament with a win over Northwestern (16-14, 7-12) in College Park, Md., on Saturday afternoon.
Dubbed the “Crab Five,” Maryland’s cohesive starting unit has contributed to their recent success on the road, winning five of their last six away games. Standout performances, such as Derik Queen’s 17 points and 12 rebounds in a recent victory over No. 17 Michigan, have been key to their resurgence.
Highlighted by Queen’s impressive play, Maryland has won six of their last seven games, with the freshman forward averaging 19.1 points and 12 rebounds per game. Willard praised Queen’s skills and understanding of the game, emphasizing his impact on the team’s success. Additionally, Selton Miguel has been a valuable contributor with his sharpshooting from beyond the arc.
On the other side, Northwestern has shown improvement, winning three of their last four games. Despite facing challenges due to injuries that sidelined key players, the Wildcats have displayed resilience and competitiveness. Coach Chris Collins commended his team’s fighting spirit in the face of adversity.
The upcoming matchup between Maryland and Northwestern promises to be an intriguing battle, with both teams aiming for a crucial victory. As Maryland celebrates its seniors, including standout Julian Reese, the stage is set for an exciting showdown between two determined squads.
