Maryland looks to end three-game slide vs. Iowa

Maryland (13-11, 5-8) vs. Iowa (14-10, 6-7)When & where: Feb. 14, 2024 | 8:30 PM | Xfinity Center TV: BTN--Kevin Kugler, Stephen Bardo Radio: 105.7 (Baltimore) | 980 AM (DC) | SiriusXM channel 388 Betting odds: Maryland -5 | O/U: 146 (DraftKings) Maryland will look to complete the season sweep against Iowa on Wednesday night with a chance to end its three-game slide. After the Terps pulled out a 69-67 win at Iowa City back on Jan. 24, Willard is 2-1 all-time against the Hawkeyes with the series matchup tied at eight as Maryland returns to College Park for its first of two home games. Maryland is coming off a 79-75 double overtime loss against Ohio State in Columbus where missed free throws and lack of execution late proved to be the nail in the coffin for an abysmal week for head coach Kevin Willard. They'll look to turn the tide on Wednesday, though, as Maryland looks to move to 27-4 at home under Willard while the Terps are outscoring opponents by 12.5 points in Xfinity Center this season. Iowa has won its last two games at Maryland by a combined 55 points. Jahmir Young has been the one bright spot for Maryland this season as he sits second in the NCAA in career points (2,454) and ranks second nationally in 'clutch' points. He'll be the primary focus for Iowa, though, after the Terps' star guard delivered the game-winning shot against the Hawkeyes in the last matchup. Donta Scott also enters Wednesday 16 points away from passing Ernest Graham for 15th on the all-time scoring list. Wednesday's game serves as a carbon copy of the last matchup with Maryland's defense tasked with slowing down Iowa's offense, something both teams have excelled in through the 2023-24 season. The Hawkeyes are coming off a five-point win over Minnesota on Sunday, moving to 3-2 since their loss to Maryland with Tony Perkins and Payton Sandfort both entering Wednesday averaging at least 15 points per game. Sandfort, who finished with six points in the last matchup, has posted 20 or more points in three of his last five games. The veteran duo are a big reason why Iowa's offense has been among the nation's best, along with second in the Big Ten, while Ben Krikke is averaging 14.6 points on 54.1% shooting. Related Links Pa. IOL Kahlil Stewart commits to Maryland, breaks down decisionFour Terps invited to the 2024 NFL Combine in IndyVIP: big board mover, staff note, return from injury (+)Preseason injury delivers blow to Maryland’s pitching depthLocal OL knows Maryland will get an official visit (+)