The Big Ten ACC Challenge always brings out some of the best in college basketball and this year is no different. Ohio State and Maryland do not meet often, but when they do it normally means excitement as they both stand as two of the top programs in the nation. It has been decades since these two teams met in the regular season, but with winning records, this could be a good matchup.
The matchup will serve as a preview to what is to come next season. Maryland will be exiting the ACC and entering into the Big Ten next season where they will face the fifth-ranked Buckeyes plenty of times as conference rivals. Ohio State is undefeated while Maryland has two losses on the year so far.
Ohio State might be the favorite in this game simply because of their record, but Maryland has performed well in the annual challenge. The Terrapins are 10-4 in the Ben Ten ACC Challenge, tied with Wake Forest for the second-most wins, sitting right behind Duke. They have a 4-1 road record in this tournament, making them one of the best.
Maryland is in the midst of a solid win streak, putting up four in a row, dating back to their tournament in the Bahamas. However, they meet Ohio State who is winning every game by double-digits and only allowing 53.3 points by their opponents. Their offense is even scarier.
LaQuinton Ross has found his shot after averaging just 22.7 from the field at the start of the year. He hit four 3-point shots in the team's win over North Florida, putting up 17 points total. Amir Williams and Aaron Craft have also been making names for themselves putting up career-highs in recent games.
Maryland has a secret weapon going into the game. Evan smotrycz has plenty of experience with Ohio State after transferring over from Michigan. He is the team's leading scorer at 13.7 points a game. He also recorded his second straight double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.