Maryland's Season Ends with a Tough Loss to Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament
In a hard-fought battle at the Big Ten Tournament, Maryland's men's basketball team wrapped up their season with a 75-64 loss to ninth-seeded Iowa. Despite a promising start, the Terps couldn't hold off a second-half surge from the Hawkeyes, finishing the year with a 12-21 record.
Maryland came out strong, using a 15-0 run midway through the first half to establish a 21-10 lead over Iowa. This impressive stretch was their second-longest run of the season.
The Terps showcased solid defense, allowing just 37 points in the first halves of their two tournament games. They carried a slim 26-25 lead into halftime.
Isaiah Watts was a standout in the first half, hitting three key three-pointers and finishing with 12 points. His shooting helped Maryland reach a season total of 279 three-pointers, the second-highest in their history.
Darius Adams led the Terps with 14 points, shooting an impressive 6-of-7 from the field. David Coit added 12 points, while Solomon Washington's 13 rebounds set a new program record for a Big Ten Tournament game, helping Maryland out-rebound Iowa 34-25.
However, Iowa turned the tide with a 21-0 run in the second half, pulling away decisively. Cooper Koch's 19 points powered the Hawkeyes to a 21-11 season record and a spot in the next round of the tournament.
Game Breakdown:
1st Half Highlights:
- Washington opened the scoring with a three-pointer.
- Adams added a layup, putting Maryland ahead 6-5.
- Watts hit the first of his three triples, energizing the Terps and building a 14-10 lead.
- Maryland's 15-0 run set them up with a 21-10 advantage.
- Adams' three-pointer extended the lead to 24-14 before Iowa closed the gap.
2nd Half Highlights:
- Andre Mills kicked off the half with a three-pointer.
- Saunders' early triple kept Maryland ahead 34-30.
- Iowa's 21-0 run shifted momentum, giving them a 51-34 lead.
- Adams, Watts, and Coit all reached double figures, but it wasn't enough to overcome Iowa's lead.
Key Performances:
- Adams recorded his 20th double-figure scoring game of the season.
- Coit reached double digits for the 20th time this season, marking the 76th of his career.
- Watts scored in double figures for the fourth time this season.
Coach Buzz Williams' Insights:
Coach Williams highlighted turnovers as a persistent issue against Iowa, emphasizing the need for better rim protection and a lower turnover rate to improve their chances of getting to the foul line.
Notable Numbers:
- Watts' four games this season with three or more three-pointers.
- Adams' standout 6-of-7 shooting performance.
- Washington's 13 rebounds, a Maryland Big Ten Tournament record.
- Maryland's 279 three-pointers this season, ranking second in their history.
As the Terps look to the future, they'll aim to build on these performances and address key areas for growth.