Almost a year ago, Michigan blew out Maryland at home in early January to revitalize its season. Hunter Dickinson returned from COVID-19 and scored 21 points en route to a 19-point win. The victory kicked off a 6-2 stretch that got the season back on track after a 7-7 (1-3 Big Ten) start. The Wolverines eventually played their way into the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Sweet 16.
It’s January again and Michigan finds itself in almost an identical spot against a Maryland squad (Sunday, 4:30 p.m., FS1) that is far more competent than last year’s iteration.
The Terrapins are 10-3 in Kevin Willard’s first season and have quality wins over Saint Louis (76), Miami (36) and Illinois (30). Some of the shine wore off from the 8-0 start with consecutive defeats to Wisconsin, Tennessee and UCLA, but the Terps are ranked 25th in the country, per KenPom, and look poised to return to the NCAA Tournament this year.
