Maryland Terrapins vs St. Francis (pa) Red Flash Picks and Predictions December 17th 2024

Derik Queen Leads Maryland Against Struggling St. Francis (Pa.)

Fresh off standout performances against some of the nation’s top teams, Derik Queen and the Maryland Terrapins (8-2) host St. Francis (Pa.) on Tuesday in College Park, Md. While the Red Flash (4-7) pose less of a challenge than recent opponents, Maryland aims to stay sharp on both ends of the court as they continue their nonconference slate.

Derik Queen’s Dominance

The emergence of freshman forward Derik Queen has been a bright spot for Maryland this season. The 6-foot-10 standout has consistently delivered against elite competition, showcasing his scoring and rebounding ability.

In his last outing on Dec. 8, Queen posted a monster double-double with 26 points and 12 rebounds in an 83-78 loss to then-No. 8 Purdue. That performance came on the heels of other standout games: 24 points against then-No. 15 Marquette and 22 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists in a tight win over Villanova.

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Queen currently leads the Terrapins in both scoring (17.5 points per game) and rebounding (8.7), solidifying his role as the focal point of Maryland’s offense.

Maryland’s Offensive Growth and Defensive Focus

Maryland’s offensive improvement this season has been noticeable, particularly with Queen’s dominance and the addition of Belmont transfer Ja’Kobi Gillespie. Gillespie has shown his ability to rise in big games, scoring efficiently from long range against top opponents.

In Maryland’s key matchups against Marquette, Purdue, and Ohio State, Gillespie hit 12 of 24 three-pointers (50 percent), scoring a combined 65 points. His ability to stretch the floor has added another dimension to the Terrapins’ attack.

Despite their offensive growth, head coach Kevin Willard remains focused on tightening Maryland’s defense, particularly in transition. In their loss to Purdue, the Terrapins surrendered 52 points in the second half, a lapse Willard wants to correct.

“Our half-court defense in the first half was really good,” Willard said. “Our transition defense in the second half was, you know, the crowd got into it. We got a little bit rattled.”

St. Francis Facing Uphill Battle

St. Francis (Pa.), a team that hasn’t posted a winning season since 2019-20, enters this matchup looking for signs of progress against tough competition. The Red Flash have struggled mightily against stronger opponents, suffering blowout losses to Dayton, Clemson, and Penn State by margins of at least 26 points.

Their offense is led by Bobby Rosenberger, who averages 13.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Junior college transfer Riley Parker has also been a key contributor, averaging 10.3 points and a team-high 4.4 assists.

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Coach Rob Krimmel praised Parker’s growth and emerging leadership on the team.

“Riley’s growth in the last month is a product of his hard work,” Krimmel said. “He cares. His voice is starting to emerge more, and that’s part of a team’s journey.”

Key Matchup: Queen vs. St. Francis’ Interior Defense

St. Francis will face a monumental challenge trying to contain Derik Queen, whose size, skill, and rebounding presence have overwhelmed far better opponents this season. If the Red Flash struggle to keep Queen off the glass and out of the paint, Maryland could dominate early and often.

For St. Francis to stay competitive, they’ll need standout performances from Rosenberger and Parker while limiting turnovers and trying to control the pace.

What’s at Stake

For Maryland, this game is an opportunity to fine-tune their defense and continue building offensive rhythm before entering tougher competition. With Derik Queen and Ja’Kobi Gillespie in strong form, the Terrapins aim to avoid any letdowns and deliver a complete performance.

For St. Francis, it’s another chance to grow and gain experience against a high-major opponent. While an upset is unlikely, competing with energy and focus will be the Red Flash’s goal as they continue their journey under Krimmel.

The Bottom Line

Maryland’s dominance in the paint and improved offensive efficiency make them heavy favorites against St. Francis. With Derik Queen in peak form, the Terrapins will look to control the game from the opening tip, using this matchup to reinforce their defensive principles and maintain their momentum.