Maryland Suffers a 80-72 Defeat Against No. 23 Virginia
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — The Maryland Terrapins (6-6) faced off against the 23rd-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (10-1) on Saturday afternoon, ultimately succumbing to a final score of 80-72 in a game characterized by its low scoring. This matchup marked a renewal of the historic rivalry between these two teams that were once part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). A strong second-half performance by the Cavaliers allowed them to secure another victory in their ranked season.
Leading the charge for the Terps was David Coit, who scored 15 points and sank three three-pointers. Myles Rice contributed significantly with 12 points along with four assists, while Darius Adams added nine points and four rebounds as he continues to develop in his freshman year. Elijah Saunders also made an impact, scoring 10 points against his former team.
The defensive play was particularly noteworthy in the first half, during which Maryland managed to hold Virginia scoreless for an impressive 5:49—the longest scoring drought for the Cavaliers this season. Maryland's defense was so effective that they did not allow Virginia to make a field goal for over six minutes.
In a captivating turn of events, Maryland went on a remarkable 19-4 run that lasted 10 minutes and 35 seconds, showcasing their defensive prowess while stifling Virginia’s offense. The Terps set new seasonal records by limiting Virginia to just 25% shooting from the floor and tying for the fewest field goals allowed (nine) in the first half of play.
As the second half commenced, Maryland quickly found its groove, hitting all four of their initial three-point attempts. David Coit scored all of his points during this half, demonstrating his ability to step up when it mattered most. However, despite Maryland's momentum, Virginia ultimately delivered decisive blows in the closing moments to clinch the win.
The Terrapins excelled in rebounding against the Cavaliers, with Solomon Washington achieving a career-high of 12 rebounds, helping Maryland to out-rebound Virginia 41-34. Additionally, the Terps executed a strong defensive strategy that effectively limited Thijs De Ridder, Virginia's leading scorer, to just five points on 1-of-8 shooting. Nevertheless, the Cavaliers found success through Dallin Hall, who topped all scorers with 20 points.
How the Game Unfolded:
1st Half:
- Myles Rice kicked off Maryland's scoring with a jumper.
- He followed up with a three-pointer, marking the Terps’ first five points of the evening.
- The Terps maintained solid defense, preventing Virginia from scoring for over five minutes midway through the half.
- Darius Adams hit a jumper, granting Maryland a 9-7 lead, their first advantage of the game.
- Maryland's defense continued to shine, holding Virginia without a field goal for more than six minutes.
- A pair of free throws from Adams put the Terps ahead 12-11 with eight minutes remaining in the half.
- Donte Mills scored a crucial three-pointer, extending Maryland’s lead to 17-11 during a 9-0 scoring streak.
- Virginia ended the half with a dominant 13-0 run, taking a 24-19 lead into halftime.
2nd Half:
- Coit opened the second half with a three-pointer, scoring Maryland's first points after the break.
- Adams hit another three to narrow the deficit to 33-30.
- Mills hit his second three-pointer, pulling the game level.
- Coit became the first player to reach double figures with two free throws, giving Maryland a 35-33 edge.
- Virginia responded with a 10-0 run, regaining control of the game.
- Saunders contributed five quick points with just over eight minutes left.
- Rice also reached double digits with a three-pointer.
- Coit added a late three-pointer, but ultimately, Virginia held on to win 80-72.
A Renewed Rivalry:
- Saturday's game marked the 185th meeting between Maryland and Virginia, representing their first contest since 2018.
- Historically, Maryland has triumphed in 108 of these encounters, establishing a commanding lead in the all-time series.
- The Terps' longest winning streak against the Cavaliers spanned 11 games from 1950 to 1955.
- One of Maryland's most significant victories in this rivalry came in 2001, when they won decisively 102-67, a staggering 35-point margin.
Double-Digit Performances:
- David Coit recorded his eighth game this season with double-digit scoring, adding to a total of 64 such performances throughout his career. He has maintained a streak of at least 10 points in each of his last three games.
- Myles Rice reached double figures for the fourth time this season and the 49th time in his career with his 12 points.
- Elijah Saunders achieved double-digit scoring for the fourth time this season and the 23rd time in his career.
Looking Ahead:
- The Terps will wrap up their non-conference schedule with an upcoming home game against Old Dominion on December 28. The tip-off is scheduled for 6 PM, and fans can catch the action on BTN.
