The Terps look to bounce back after a heartbreaking defeat.
After winning four straight contests, No. 16 Maryland men’s basketball was tasked with a matchup that ultimately resulted in a heartbreaking loss.
After 39 minutes of gritty, defensive-laden basketball, No. 8 Michigan State’s Tre Holloman heaved a prayer from beyond half court that sank through the net as time expired. The 58-55 loss was the Terps’ sixth conference defeat of the season.
Now, Maryland turns its attention to a struggling Penn State squad.
With just five wins in Big Ten play, the Nittany Lions are second-to-last in the conference standings. Among its few conference victories include Nebraska, Rutgers and Northwestern. However, Penn State has come close to beating a few skilled programs, including a three-point loss to Michigan State and a four-point loss to No. 15 Michigan.
Saturday’s game will begin at noon and air on Big Ten Network.
Penn State Nittany Lions (15-14, 5-13 Big Ten)
Head coach Mike Rhoades is in his second season at the helm. In his first year, he led the Nittany Lions to a 9-11 conference record, defeating two top-ranked teams in then-No. 12 Illinois and then-No. 11 Wisconsin. Prior to his time in State College, he spent six years as head coach at VCU, where he guided the Rams to three NCAA Tournament appearances.
Players to watch
Ace Baldwin Jr., graduate student guard, 6-foot-1, No. 1 — Baldwin leads the Nittany Lions in points per game (14.0), assists (201) and steals (67). He’s bound to be a pest on defense and should match up well against Maryland guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie. Baldwin, a Baltimore native, was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
Yanic Konan Niederhauser, junior forward, 7-foot-0, No. 14 — Konan Niederhauser has burst onto the scene as a junior after averaging just 7.3 points as a sophomore. He’s second on the team in points per game (13.0) and first in both rebounds per game (6.2) and total blocks (59).
Nick Kern Jr., senior guard, 6-foot-6, No. 3 — Kern is effectively Penn State’s sixth man, playing in all 29 games but starting in just 10. Still, he’s third on the team in points per game (11.8) and second in rebounds per game (5.0), total assists (69) and steals (34). He was an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2024.
Strength
Steals. Led by Baldwin, Penn State is a scrappy team, and its defensive numbers back that up. The team is tied for first in the Big Ten with 8.3 steals per game.
Weakness
Turnovers. The Nittany Lions give the ball away at one of the worst rates in the Big Ten. They rank second-to-last in the conference with 12.2 turnovers per game.
Three things to watch
1. Can Selton Miguel get back on track? The fifth-year forward had a lackluster showing Wednesday night, posting just six points and failing to tally a single rebound or assist in 23 minutes. He also missed much of the game with foul trouble, finishing with four. It will be essential for Maryland’s spark plug and streaky shooter to help set the tempo Saturday.
2. Can the Crab Five return to form? Maryland’s starting five has been extremely effective this season, but the team tallied a season-low 55 points in Wednesday’s loss. It will be important for each starter to return to their normal scoring state, especially with the postseason looming and the bench offering little offensive production.
3. Ja’Kobi Gillespie vs. Baldwin. The 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year will likely be tasked with covering Maryland’s star guard in Gillespie. Whoever gets the best of this matchup could determine how Saturday’s game unfolds.