The Maryland men's basketball team is set to take on Mount St. Mary's on Friday, looking to build on their season-opening victory and avenge last year's loss to the Mountaineers. The Terps are determined to showcase their improved performance and prove their mettle against a formidable opponent.

Terps Poised for Redemption in Rematch with Mountaineers

Terps Aim to Capitalize on Dominant Season Opener

The Maryland Terrapins opened their season with a resounding 79-49 victory over Manhattan on Monday, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Freshman sensation Derik Queen led the charge, recording a double-double with 22 points and 20 rebounds – a feat never before achieved by a Maryland freshman. The Terps' dominant performance sets the stage for a highly anticipated rematch against Mount St. Mary's, as they seek to build on their momentum and secure a victory.

Mount St. Mary's Looks to Replicate Last Season's Success

The Mountaineers have also gotten off to a strong start, defeating Notre Dame of Maryland 98-62 in their season opener on Monday. Led by new head coach Donny Lind, Mount St. Mary's is determined to build on their 13-19 record from last season and make a statement against the Terps. The Mountaineers boast a formidable frontcourt, with three players standing at 6-foot-7 or taller, including senior forward Jedy Cordilia, who recorded a double-double in their season opener.

Terps Aim to Improve Perimeter Shooting

One area of focus for the Terps will be their 3-point shooting, which was a weakness last season and continued to be a concern in their season opener. Maryland shot just 21.7% from beyond the arc against Manhattan, a statistic that head coach Kevin Willard has emphasized as a point of emphasis during the offseason. The addition of transfers Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Selton Miguel is expected to bolster the Terps' outside shooting, and Friday's matchup against Mount St. Mary's provides an opportunity for the team to showcase their improved perimeter game.

Terps' Backcourt Depth to be Tested

Another storyline to watch will be the performance of DeShawn Harris-Smith and Selton Miguel in the Terps' backcourt. Harris-Smith, a highly touted recruit, had a relatively quiet debut, scoring just six points, and Willard's decision to limit Miguel's playing time in the second half of the season opener raised some questions. The Terps' depth and versatility in the backcourt will be put to the test as they look to overcome the Mountaineers' defensive pressure and establish their offensive rhythm.

Mountaineers Seek to Overcome Roster Turnover

Mount St. Mary's faces its own set of challenges, as the team has undergone significant roster turnover since last season. Four of the Mountaineers' five starters from the previous campaign have moved on, leaving players like Dallas Hobbs and Dola Adebayo to step into larger roles. The Mountaineers' ability to quickly integrate their new pieces and maintain their defensive intensity will be crucial in their quest to upset the Terps.

Frontcourt Battle to Determine the Outcome

The battle in the paint is expected to be a key factor in determining the outcome of this matchup. The Terps' frontcourt duo of Derik Queen and Julian Reese will look to exploit their size and athleticism against the Mountaineers' taller lineup. However, Mount St. Mary's physicality and rebounding prowess, led by Cordilia and Adebayo, could pose a significant challenge for the Terps. The team that can establish dominance in the paint and control the boards will have a distinct advantage in this highly anticipated rematch.