Maryland’s exhibition opener offered a pretty clear message: this group already looks wired on the defensive end.
In an 85-70 win over Georgia Tech at Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Catonsville, the Terps hounded shooters, moved cleanly in rotation, and brought the kind of pressure that made the Yellow Jackets uncomfortable for long stretches. The effort showed up all over the floor, and it had the feel of a Buzz Williams team from line to line.
That pressure helped Maryland put together several extended runs in the first half, including a 12-0 burst to close the period. Georgia Tech never found much rhythm, shooting 37% from the field, 24% from three, and hitting just 12 of 20 from the free-throw line. Maryland turned those mistakes into points, finishing with 22 off 16 Georgia Tech turnovers.
The Terps also won the battle on the glass, 44-33, and that edge mattered. Maryland grabbed 16 offensive rebounds, giving the offense extra chances and reinforcing how much more size this roster appears to have around the frontcourt.
One of the biggest reasons for that was the return of Payne, who finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and three steals in 20 minutes of action for the first time since December. His energy, athleticism, and size stood out immediately, and he looks ready to be a major presence in the locker room as well.
The depth behind him also flashed in a big way, especially from the incoming 2026 class. Kaden House was the headline off the bench, scoring 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting and knocking down both of his three-point tries. He brought a physical edge defensively too, though that aggression eventually fouled him out.
Adama Tambedou added 10 points, two blocks, and three rebounds in just 10 minutes. Baba Oladotun scored six, and Austin Brown chipped in five. The group gave Maryland a jolt in limited run and added to the sense that the roster has more layers than it did a year ago.
Bishop Boswell also fit that defensive mold before leaving early with an undisclosed leg injury. His size and strength should make him a disruptive backcourt defender once he’s fully available.
Maryland gets another exhibition chance at College Park on Oct. 18 at 3 p.m.
In Other News...
Marylands New-Look Roster Gave Terps Fans Plenty To Like
Marylands exhibition win over Georgia Tech offered an early look at what this new roster can do, and there was plenty for Terps fans to file away. The 85-70 result came with 14 players getting into the game, and the mix of production was encouraging, from Pharrel Payne and DJ Wagner to freshman Kaden House, who fit right in during his first extended taste of college action.
Houses quick impact was one of the nights more promising signs, especially with Maryland showing better rebounding and more pop from long range than it did at times last season. Even with the overall performance looking cleaner, the free-throw line left a little room for concern, a reminder that exhibition progress can still come with a few loose ends to sort out before the games start counting. [Read more 🡒]
Maryland Fans Got An Encouraging First Look At Buzz Williams Defense
The first informal look at Buzz Williams second Maryland team gave Terrapins fans something easy to appreciate at UMBC, where the Terps handled Georgia Tech 85-70 and never really let the game get away from them. Even in a workout setting, the defensive shape stood out, with Pharrel Payne helping anchor the starting group and Maryland keeping control from the opening stretch while building a lead that held throughout.
There was also a burst of energy from freshman guard Kaden House, who supplied a team-high 14 points and two steals in just 14 minutes before fouling out. Marylands pressure clearly bothered Georgia Tech from the perimeter and beyond, and the early returns suggested a group that could already make opponents uncomfortable while still finding its footing on the offensive side. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Faces A Bigger Test Than Fans Might Think
In the buildup to Saturdays game, Curt Cignetti and Ryan Day both sounded like coaches who know the margin for error is thin. Indiana has spent the week preparing for a ranked opponent with a familiar standard to chase, while Ohio State is sorting through the usual late-week injury chatter and leaning on its depth. Jeremiah Smith remains the headliner on the Buckeyes side, the kind of player who can tilt a game before the other team settles in.
From Marylands perspective, the interesting part is how much of Ohio States rotation could be back in the mix after last weekend. The Buckeyes were already tested against the Terps, and now theyre expecting reinforcements as Indiana tries to match an Ohio State mark from the College Football Playoff era. If the Hoosiers are going to make this one uncomfortable, their defensive readiness has to show up early, because the Buckeyes do not look like a team eager to give away any more breathing room. [Read more 🡒]