Maryland Dominates Early, Cruises Past Old Dominion in Non-Conference Finale
COLLEGE PARK, MD - Maryland didn’t just come out hot on Sunday night - they came out blazing. The Terps opened their final non-conference game of the season with a 17-0 run and never let Old Dominion get a foothold, coasting to a 73-58 win at XFINITY Center. It was a wire-to-wire performance that showcased both defensive grit and offensive balance, as Maryland improved to 7-6 on the year and capped their non-league slate on a high note.
Let’s break down how it all unfolded - and why this one felt over before it really began.
A First-Half Statement
From the opening tip, Maryland looked like a team on a mission. Andre Mills got the scoring started with a corner three, and from there, the floodgates opened. Isaiah Watts threw down an early dunk, Darius Adams knocked down a pair of threes, and before Old Dominion could blink, they were staring at a 17-point deficit.
That opening burst wasn’t just impressive - it was historic. The 17-0 run marked Maryland’s longest to start a game since January 2003, when they opened 18-0 against Florida State. This time, the Terps used suffocating defense and sharp shooting to set the tone early and never let up.
Old Dominion didn’t get on the board until nearly six minutes into the game, and by then, the Terps were already in full control. Maryland led 45-18 at the break, holding the Monarchs to their lowest-scoring half of the season.
Balanced Scoring, Big Performances
Four Terps finished in double figures, and each brought something different to the table.
- Darius Adams led all scorers with 18 points, including three triples. He did most of his damage in the first half, putting up 11 before the break and setting the tone with confident perimeter shooting.
- Isaiah Watts was right behind him with 17 - all in the first half.
He caught fire from deep, going 4-of-5 from beyond the arc in the opening 20 minutes. It was his second double-digit scoring game of the season and his best shooting performance yet in a Maryland jersey.
- Solomon Washington delivered a workmanlike double-double, piling up 13 points and 13 rebounds. He was a force on the glass and added five made free throws to his stat line, showing a physical edge that gave ODU trouble all night.
- Andre Mills chipped in 11 points and dished out a career-high five assists. He hit three triples, all in the first half, and played with the kind of pace and poise that helped Maryland control the tempo from start to finish.
In total, Maryland hit 11 threes and shot 14-of-17 from the free-throw line - efficient, disciplined, and in rhythm.
Sharing the Rock and Locking It Down
The Terps were in the holiday spirit, racking up 14 assists on 24 made field goals. David Coit led the way with six dimes, while Mills added five more. The ball movement was crisp, the spacing was clean, and the offense flowed with purpose.
On the defensive end, Maryland held Old Dominion to just 18 first-half points - a season-best mark - and blocked a season-high six shots. They also tied their season low with just eight turnovers, a testament to their control on both ends.
A Night of Familiar Faces and Family Ties
There was a bit of a homecoming feel to this one. Old Dominion head coach Mike Jones, a former Maryland assistant, returned to XFINITY Center. So did Caelum Swanton-Rodger, who spent two seasons with the Terps before transferring to ODU.
And in a cool family twist, Zacch Wiggins - younger brother of former Maryland star and current NBA player Aaron Wiggins - scored 14 points for the Monarchs.
By the Numbers
- 6: Season-high blocks for Maryland.
- 7: Seventh different starting lineup used by the Terps this season.
- 8: Turnovers committed - matching their season low.
- 11: Different players have started at least one game for Maryland this year.
- 14: Assists on 24 field goals - a strong ball-sharing night.
- 17: The 17-0 run to open the game was the Terps’ longest of the year and their best game-opening run in over two decades.
- 18: Fewest points allowed in a half this season.
What’s Next
With non-conference play in the rearview, Maryland now turns its attention to the Big Ten gauntlet. Eighteen conference games await, starting with a New Year showdown against Oregon on January 2 at XFINITY Center.
If Sunday night was any indication, the Terps are finding their rhythm at the right time. The defense is tightening, the offense is sharing the load, and the energy is building. Conference play is a different beast - but Maryland looks ready to take it on.