After a lackluster nonconference schedule in Kevin Willard’s second season as head coach, Maryland basketball could face a second Big East team in the nonconference portion of its 2024-25 schedule with one matchup reportedly set. Maryland is expected to rematch Villanova in the 2024 Empire Classic, according to Jon Rothstein. “The location of the event is TBD, but it’s expected to be played at a venue in the tri-state area, according to a source,” Rothstein added. Update: Maryland has announced the matchup vs. Villanova, which will take place on Nov. 24, 2024 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1765153272287961139 Next year’s matchup will serve as a rematch for Maryland after falling at Villanova, 57-40, in the Gavitt Games back in the fourth game of the regular season after the Wildcats took a 24-point lead into halftime. Julian Reese was the lone Terp to finish in double figures, posting ten points and six rebounds in the loss, as Willard will look to move to 7-20 all-time and snap a five-game losing streak against the Wildcats next season. Next year’s matchup is the second potential marquee matchup for Maryland after Willard hinted at a possible annual series against Georgetown starting in 2024-25. "We should start the Georgetown series next year. We’re close. Just trying to see if I can get some more golf out of Ed before I sign,” Willard said during the preseason. But we should start the Georgetown series again, Empire Classic. So next year will be a little bit more balanced.” “First and foremost, Kevin Willard and I have talked about it, and we’ll eventually come to an agreement on it. I don’t think it’ll be this year, but as we move forward, I’d like to start a home and home with the University of Maryland,” Georgetown head coach Ed Cooley said. “I think it’d be good for the district. We want to try to play in the best MTEs for us. We want some home-and-home series that are attractive not just for television, but for recruiting and for national exposure.” Meanwhile, Maryland will close the 2023-24 regular season out when it hits the road to face Penn State on Sunday, March 10. Related Links
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