The Maryland Terrapins are riding high after two impressive road victories and are looking to extend their momentum as they head to Columbus for a crucial Big Ten showdown against Ohio State. Maryland, currently ranked No. 18 in the nation, will face the Buckeyes for the second time this season, after dominating their first meeting in December.
Game Details:
• Date/Time:7 p.m. EST, February 5, 2025
• Broadcast:Fox Sports 1
The Last Meeting
The Terps handed Ohio State a decisive defeat back in December, securing an 83-59 victory in one of their most dominant first-half performances in Big Ten history. Maryland led 50-17 at halftime, setting a program record for the most points scored in a first half against a conference opponent. Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Derik Queen were key contributors, with Gillespie finishing the game with a team-high 23 points. The Terps’ defense stifled the Buckeyes, forcing 12 turnovers and limiting them to just 6-of-21 shooting in the opening half.
What’s Changed Since December
Ohio State has had an up-and-down season since their meeting with Maryland, featuring some major highs — such as a blowout victory over then-No. 4 Kentucky and a historic win over No. 11 Purdue — but also several heartbreaking losses. The Buckeyes have struggled with consistency, evident in a three-game losing streak in which all three losses came by two points or fewer. Currently, Ohio State sits at 13-9, with a 5-6 record in Big Ten play.
Key Players to Watch
Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton continues to be a standout, averaging 17.1 points and 4.2 assists per game, while sophomore Devin Royal has emerged as a reliable scorer, recently dropping 29 points in a loss to Illinois.
Three Storylines to Watch
1. Can Maryland Maintain Its Road Success?After a rocky start to the season, including an 0-4 road record, Maryland has found its rhythm with back-to-back road wins. A third consecutive road victory would solidify their status as a legitimate contender.
2. Shooting Efficiency:Maryland’s shooting was inefficient in their recent win over Wisconsin, and they’ll need to improve their field goal percentage, particularly from their key players like Queen and Gillespie, who struggled in the first half against the Badgers.
3. Tafara Gapare’s Impact:Gapare had a standout performance against Ohio State in December, and while he didn’t put up big numbers in the Wisconsin game, his hustle and defensive plays were critical. Look for him to step up once again in this road test.
As the Terps look to extend their win streak and further solidify their place in the national rankings, a tough challenge awaits in Columbus.
