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Maryland Basketball: GMU Game Preview

By Herbert Seward III

WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - MARCH 20: Eric Ayala #5 of the Maryland Terrapins looks toward the basket during the first half against the Connecticut Huskies in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Mackey Arena on March 20, 2021 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - MARCH 20: Eric Ayala #5 of the Maryland Terrapins looks toward the basket during the first half against the Connecticut Huskies in the first round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Mackey Arena on March 20, 2021 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Maryland Basketball: Fatts Russell
Nov 11, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Fatts Russell (4) dribbles during the scene half against the George Washington Colonials at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

If the terrapins want to keep their undefeated streak alive on Wednesday night, the defense will be the focal point for a win. Mason is shooting a phenomenal 40% from the three-point line, so limiting those shot opportunities will be essential. Maryland Basketball has been a dominant offensive and defensive rebounding team so far this season. They’ll need to maintain that dominance to ensure a win at home. The terps have been abysmal from behind the three-point line, so tonight represents another opportunity to reverse the trend. If they do, they’ll make life a lot easier for Qudus Wahab and the terrapins on the block.

Defensive Keys

Neutralize the Patriots’ three-point shooting. George Mason is shooting a healthy 40% from behind the three-point line in their first three games. Forcing them off of the arc bodes well for limiting the Patriot offensive attack considerably. The terps have been able to exert a LOT of pressure on the ball defensively. Extending the defense and pressuring the ball may just be what the doctor ordered for the terrapin defense tonight. Josh Oduro has been the focal point of the Mason attack, so don’t be surprised to see special attention paid to the Gainesville, Va. native. Xavier Green has been a defensive gem in his own right, and he’ll be expected to help out in keeping the Patriots off the three-point stripe.

Offensive Keys

Maryland Basketball has feasted in the post for their first three games, and they should be able to do the same thing tonight. Qudus Wahab has been a game-changer for the terrapins offensively, giving the team a post anchor that was absent last year.  He’s sure to see double teams tonight from the Mason defense, given how Vermont defended the big man last game. the Terps will need to get more production from their wings and backcourt to open things up for ‘Big Q’. Will we see more of James Graham III? This could be the ideal game for the sophomore to start showcasing the significant level of individual offensive talent at his disposal. Ian Martinez and Julian Reese remain strong contributors off the bench. Reese, in particular, has a chance to develop into a real factor offensively by the time Big 10 conference season rolls around. The terps need to improve their perimeter shooting tonight as well if only to build consistency for the eventual parade of packed-in defenses that are sure to come later on this season.