Indiana Hoosiers vs Maryland Terrapins Picks and Predictions January 26th 2025

Indiana Looks to Tighten Defense Ahead of Pivotal Matchup Against Maryland

Indiana basketball coach Mike Woodson has made one thing clear: defensive focus is non-negotiable. As the Hoosiers prepare to host the Maryland Terrapins on Sunday afternoon, the focus will be on correcting the lapses that cost them a win in their last outing.

In Wednesday night’s road loss to Northwestern, Indiana unraveled defensively in the second half, allowing nine 3-pointers and 54 points, leading to a 79-70 defeat. For a team looking to solidify its position in the Big Ten standings, this game against Maryland represents a crucial opportunity for redemption.

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Indiana’s Defensive Struggles: A Wake-Up Call

The Hoosiers (14-6, 5-4 Big Ten) started strong against Northwestern, showcasing disciplined defensive play in the first half. However, the second half told a different story. According to Coach Woodson, the team’s defensive communication broke down, giving Northwestern open looks that proved costly.

“We played beautiful in the first half,” Woodson said. “Our communication from a defensive standpoint was lost in the second half. They made us pay.”

Oumar Ballo, Indiana’s leading scorer and rebounder, will need to anchor the team on both ends of the court. Ballo averages 14.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, but his ability to defend Maryland’s dominant inside players will be pivotal.

Maryland Riding High on Momentum

The Terrapins (15-5, 5-4 Big Ten) are coming off their first road victory of the season, a commanding 91-70 win over No. 17 Illinois. Maryland’s dominance in the paint was the story of the night, as they outscored Illinois 62-34 in the paint. Julian Reese delivered a career-best performance, scoring 27 points and grabbing 17 rebounds.

Freshman Derik Queen also impressed, scoring 25 points in a bounce-back performance after struggling in recent games. Despite his youth, Maryland coach Kevin Willard sees Queen as a player destined for big things.

“He’s going to be in that three-letter league pretty soon,” Willard said. “We’re asking a freshman to do a whole lot in a league that’s full of fifth-year, COVID guys, physical guys. He’s fine. He’s going to figure it out.”

Queen leads the Terrapins in scoring with 15.6 points per game, while Belmont transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie contributes 14.4 points and 4.4 assists per contest. Maryland’s balanced offensive attack will test Indiana’s ability to regroup defensively.

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Key Matchups to Watch

Oumar Ballo vs. Julian Reese

Ballo and Reese are the engines of their respective teams. Both players bring size, athleticism, and an ability to control the paint. Indiana will need Ballo to limit Reese’s production, particularly on the boards, where Reese grabbed 17 rebounds against Illinois.

Indiana’s Defense vs. Maryland’s Paint Dominance

Maryland’s 62 points in the paint against Illinois underscore their physicality and inside scoring prowess. Indiana must clog the lanes and force the Terrapins into perimeter shots. Defensive rotations and communication will be critical.

Perimeter Defense

Northwestern exposed Indiana’s struggles with defending the 3-point line, sinking nine second-half triples. Maryland doesn’t rely as heavily on the 3-pointer but could exploit Indiana’s lapses if they arise again.

High Stakes for Both Teams

With both teams sitting at 5-4 in Big Ten play, this game could have significant postseason implications. A win would boost either team’s conference standing and strengthen their NCAA Tournament resume.

For Indiana, the return to Assembly Hall offers a chance to recalibrate. The Hoosiers have been strong at home this season, and the energy of the Bloomington crowd could be the edge they need to get back on track. For Maryland, the confidence gained from their road win over Illinois may fuel their effort to secure back-to-back victories away from home.

Historical Edge

Indiana holds a slight edge in the all-time series, leading 14-9. The Hoosiers swept both meetings last season, but this Maryland team, bolstered by the emergence of Reese and Queen, poses a new challenge.

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What’s at Stake?

• Indiana: A chance to bounce back from a disappointing loss and reestablish defensive identity.
• Maryland: An opportunity to prove their road win against Illinois wasn’t a fluke and continue their momentum.

Prediction

If Indiana can regain its defensive discipline, particularly against Maryland’s paint scorers, the Hoosiers have a strong chance of securing a win at home. However, if Maryland dominates inside and Queen continues his hot streak, the Terrapins could spoil Indiana’s homecoming.