Maryland Aims for Second Straight Big Ten Win Against Minnesota

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The University of Maryland men’s basketball team will host Minnesota on Monday night at the Xfinity Center, seeking its second consecutive Big Ten Conference victory. The Terps, coming off a dominant 79-61 win over No. 22 UCLA, aim to build momentum against a struggling Minnesota squad that remains winless in conference play.

Maryland (12-4, 2-3 Big Ten) enters the matchup with confidence after its impressive performance against UCLA, while Minnesota (8-8, 0-5 Big Ten) looks to snap a five-game losing streak in conference play. The Terps hold a commanding 16-3 advantage in the all-time series against the Golden Gophers.

The game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, with Jason Horowitz handling play-by-play and Bruce Weber providing analysis. Local radio coverage will be available on 105.7 FM in Baltimore and 980 AM in Washington, D.C., featuring Johnny Holliday, Chris Knoche, and Walt Williams.

Maryland’s recent victory over UCLA showcased the team’s defensive prowess and balanced scoring. The Terps held the Bruins to just 61 points, well below their season average, while four Maryland players scored in double figures. Head coach Kevin Willard emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency. “We’ve shown flashes of what we’re capable of, but we need to bring that same intensity every night,” Willard said.

Minnesota, meanwhile, has struggled to find its footing in the Big Ten. The Golden Gophers’ 0-5 conference record includes narrow losses to ranked opponents, but they have yet to secure a win against league competition. Head coach Ben Johnson remains optimistic. “Our guys are fighting hard, and we’re close to turning the corner,” Johnson said. “We just need to execute better down the stretch.”

The Xfinity Center, known for its raucous atmosphere, is expected to be packed with Terps fans eager to see their team continue its upward trajectory. Maryland’s home-court advantage could prove pivotal against a Minnesota team searching for its first conference win.

Key players to watch include Maryland’s leading scorer, Julian Reese, who averages 16.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, and Minnesota’s Dawson Garcia, who leads the Golden Gophers with 18.1 points per game. The matchup between Reese and Garcia in the paint could be a deciding factor in the outcome.

As the Terps look to climb the Big Ten standings, Monday’s game represents an opportunity to solidify their position and build momentum for the remainder of the season. For Minnesota, it’s a chance to finally break through in conference play and gain some much-needed confidence.