David's preview: https://minnesota.rivals.com/news/scouting-maryland-1
BEL: https://minnesota.rivals.com/news/behind-enemy-lines-maryland-20
Pre-presser notes: https://minnesota.forums.rivals.com/threads/pre-maryland-press-conference-notes.37320/
Vegas: Gophers by 1.5
Kenpom: Maryland No. 28, Minnesota No. 48
Massey: Maryland No. 26, Minnesota No. 41
Maryland runs an NBA-type offense with a lot of high ball screens and four or five out. They'll try to screen to get favorable one-on-one matchups.
The Terps are one of the youngest in the country but very talented. Sophomore center Bruno Fernando is a potential top 5 draftee and freshman power forward Jalen Smith is a potential top 20 pick. Shooting guard Aaron Wiggins has also been in some NBA talks. And point guard Anthony Cowan was All-Big Ten Third Team last year. This is a team littered with talent but they're young and haven't always had the discipline to win at the level they could with more experience.
Maryland is maybe the most talented team they've played, but Minnesota has been playing smart and hard, and if they do today I think it's more likely than not they win.
My x-factor in this game is Oturu and Murphy fouls. Fernando and Smith are not very foul prone for bigs, especially young bigs. It could be a nightmare if Omersa or Stockman needs to defend Fernando or Smith for long stretches.
BEL: https://minnesota.rivals.com/news/behind-enemy-lines-maryland-20
Pre-presser notes: https://minnesota.forums.rivals.com/threads/pre-maryland-press-conference-notes.37320/
Vegas: Gophers by 1.5
Kenpom: Maryland No. 28, Minnesota No. 48
Massey: Maryland No. 26, Minnesota No. 41
Maryland runs an NBA-type offense with a lot of high ball screens and four or five out. They'll try to screen to get favorable one-on-one matchups.
The Terps are one of the youngest in the country but very talented. Sophomore center Bruno Fernando is a potential top 5 draftee and freshman power forward Jalen Smith is a potential top 20 pick. Shooting guard Aaron Wiggins has also been in some NBA talks. And point guard Anthony Cowan was All-Big Ten Third Team last year. This is a team littered with talent but they're young and haven't always had the discipline to win at the level they could with more experience.
Maryland is maybe the most talented team they've played, but Minnesota has been playing smart and hard, and if they do today I think it's more likely than not they win.
My x-factor in this game is Oturu and Murphy fouls. Fernando and Smith are not very foul prone for bigs, especially young bigs. It could be a nightmare if Omersa or Stockman needs to defend Fernando or Smith for long stretches.
