In a season that seemed to promise more, the Maryland men’s basketball team found its journey cut short by a resilient Iowa squad. The Terps, entering as a No. 17 seed, fell 75-64 to the No. 9-seed Hawkeyes in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament in Chicago. With 21 losses, Maryland faced its toughest season since 1941, leaving Coach Buzz Williams with much to ponder as he looks ahead to the next campaign.
Let’s dive into three key takeaways from Maryland’s final game of the 2025-26 season.
Momentum Shift: Maryland’s Early Spark Fizzles
Maryland began with a bang, thanks to Isaiah Watts and Darius Adams. The duo ignited a 15-0 run, pushing the Terps to a promising 21-10 lead just over 11 minutes into the game.
Watts, a transfer known for his shooting potential, finally found his rhythm, sinking three 3-pointers in the first half and matching his season-high with four overall. Adams was equally impressive, scoring efficiently across the board with nine points before the break.
However, the momentum was short-lived. Watts cooled off, and Guillermo Del Pino, a freshman from Spain, struggled with shot selection at a critical juncture. Known for his hesitance, Del Pino attempted multiple long-range shots, missing crucial opportunities and eventually returning to the bench.
In contrast, Iowa capitalized on its momentum. Bennett Stirtz, an All-Big Ten second team guard, spearheaded a 12-0 run with back-to-back 3-pointers, including a stunning shot under pressure.
The Hawkeyes maintained their rhythm, with Stirtz facilitating plays that kept Maryland at bay. By the time the Terps regrouped, Iowa had surged ahead with a 21-0 run, sealing the game’s fate.
Turnover Troubles Plague the Terps
Maryland faced a quick turnaround, playing just 17 hours after their previous game. The toll was evident, as fatigue led to a slew of turnovers.
The game’s first possession saw Andre Mills commit a travel, setting the tone for a sloppy performance. Diggy Coit soon followed with another turnover, and despite Iowa’s own early mistakes, Maryland couldn’t capitalize.
As the game progressed, Mills and Coit struggled to maintain control, combining for five turnovers in the opening minutes. By halftime, Maryland had already coughed up the ball eight times.
The second half offered no respite, with Coit finishing with five turnovers, Mills with four, and Adams with three. The Terps ended with 16 turnovers, a stark contrast to their disciplined play in previous games.
Mills Runs Out of Steam
Andre Mills had been a revelation for Maryland, averaging 19.3 points in the final stretch of the regular season. Despite not earning a freshman All-Big Ten nod, his performances had generated significant buzz. However, against Iowa, Mills hit a wall.
After a solid showing as a facilitator against Oregon, Mills faltered against the Hawkeyes. His ball movement turned into four turnovers, and his shooting touch deserted him.
Mills finished a dismal 1-of-13 from the field, his worst outing in Big Ten play. Though he managed to score nine points through free throws, it was far from enough to turn the tide for Maryland.
As Maryland looks to rebuild, these lessons will be crucial. The Terps have the talent, but harnessing it consistently will be key to future success. Coach Williams has a challenging offseason ahead, but with the right adjustments, Maryland can aim for a stronger showing next year.