Good News; Terrapins Head Coach Michael Locksley Is Doing What He Just Promised

The No. 20 Maryland Terrapins continued their scorching form on Thursday night, securing a commanding 88-71 victory over USC at the Xfinity Center. The win marks Maryland’s fourth straight triumph, boosting their season record to an impressive 21-6 overall and 11-5 in conference play. The Terps also fortified their home-court dominance, improving to a remarkable 16-1 at the Xfinity Center.

Early Control and Resilient Response

Maryland set the tone early, exploding to an 11-0 start and stretching the lead to 16-3 within the first five minutes. USC, however, showed grit, narrowing the deficit to just 30-27 with two minutes left in the first half. But the Terrapins responded with poise, heading into halftime with a 37-27 lead.

Second-Half Surge

The Terps wasted no time extending their advantage in the second half, quickly establishing a 52-32 lead. Though USC mounted a 10-0 run to keep things interesting, Maryland never faltered. Standout performances from Rodney Rice, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Julian Reese, Selton Miguel, and Derik Queen helped secure the win.

A Freshman Phenom

Derik Queen shined brightest, delivering his 10th double-double of the season—more than any Maryland freshman since Joe Smith in the early 1990s. Maryland’s starters led the charge, contributing 85 of the team’s 88 points and showcasing their depth and talent.

Eyes on the Big Ten Prize

With their winning streak intact, Maryland remains a formidable contender in the Big Ten. The Terps now set their sights on a high-stakes clash against No. 14 Michigan State next Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET at the Xfinity Center, with coverage on the Big Ten Network (BTN).

Can Maryland keep the momentum going and solidify their standing in the conference? Fans won’t want to miss this pivotal matchup!