Terps look like different team, stifled in sloppy loss at Washington

Photo courtesy of Maryland Terrapins

For the first time in the 2024-25 season, Maryland men’s basketball (11-3, 1-2 Big Ten) looked like it had no answers. They suffered a frustrating loss on the road against Washington (10-4, 1-2 Big Ten) 75-69 Thursday night.

It was the first matchup in the history of the two programs, and the first in-conference game in at least four contests for either side. Washington earned their first in-conference victory as a member of the Big Ten.

Head coach Kevin Willard grappled with early offensive struggles from reliable performers. Freshman center Derik Queen saw limited first-half minutes after picking up two early fouls. He and junior guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie came into the game averaging double-digit points per game but did not score until the second half. 

As the game went on both players continued to be in foul trouble affecting their play — Queen finished with four points while Gillespie found the bottom just once from the free throw line. One of Maryland’s most consistent offensive performers this year, Gillespie also had no assists or rebounds to go along with three turnovers before fouling out.

“We have to grow, we have to be in these situations more,” Willard said. “We have to be able to struggle offensively and not let it affect us defensively.”

Senior forward Julian Reese looked like he could drag the Terps to a win, anchoring the team behind 22 points and eight rebounds for his second-straight 20-point showing. He fouled out with three seconds left in the game.

Fifth-year wing Jordan Geronimo and sophomore guard DeShawn Harris-Smith provided support off the bench, helping Maryland maintain a small lead through a slow first half.

Geronimo ended with 10 while Harris-Smith logged eight. The hustle and effort from both, along with junior guard Jay Young, earned them meaningful minutes down the stretch as Maryland unsuccessfully tried to come back.

The Terrapins’ defensive energy picked up out of the break, forcing a five-second violation and a backcourt violation on consecutive Washington possessions as part of a run that saw Maryland build on its lead. However, stagnation on the offensive end allowed the Huskies to take the lead back ahead of the under-12 timeout, bringing the crowd into the picture.

Queen’s fourth personal came with just under 10 minutes left in the game, forcing the likes of Geronimo and sophomore guard Rodney Rice to continue their steady production. Rice finished with 10.

Neither team shined from three-point range, with Maryland making two of 12 and Washington converting five of 22. The Huskies won the rebound battle 36-29.

“On the road, you gotta reward yourself for playing good defense,” Willard said. “It’s tough to win on the road. We gotta battle and we’ll find a way.”

Down the stretch, Husky senior forward Great Osobor imposed his will on the Terps, finishing with 20 and 14 for his fourth double-double on the season. Freshman guard Vazoumana “Zoom” Diallo and senior guard DJ Davis also found clutch buckets in the closing minutes, both ending in double figures.

Maryland will look to bounce back with another road game Sunday against No. 9 Oregon. However, the Ducks will be searching for the same, coming off a lopsided home loss against No. 22 Illinois.