After posting a career-high 20 points in Maryland men’s basketball’s 94-71 win over Loyola-Maryland last Tuesday, forward Jalen Smith earned his second Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor Monday.
Smith struggled against Loyola-Chicago on Dec. 8, with early foul trouble limiting his playing time in the first half. He ended with 12 minutes and one point against the Ramblers at Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore.
But Smith bounced back in a big way Tuesday, leading the Terps inside. He finished 7-for-13 and added a 3-pointer, eight rebounds and two blocks.
[Read more: After an ugly game Saturday, Jalen Smith danced his way to a career high vs. Loyola]
Smith’s first Freshman of the Week honor came Nov. 12 after averaging 15 points and nine rebounds in his first two games in College Park. The McDonald’s All-American big man has proven to be a valuable asset for the Terps, combining with forward Bruno Fernando to create a dynamic frontcourt duo.
His production hasn’t always been consistent, but Smith is averaging 11.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game this year. The former five-star recruit from Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore headlines a talented freshmen class for coach Mark Turgeon.
[Read more: 3 things to know from Maryland men’s basketball’s 94-71 win over Loyola]
Also, while the Terps knocked off the Greyhounds and Loyola-Chicago, they remain outside the AP Top 25 for a second straight week. Maryland was ranked as high as No. 23 before a loss to Purdue dropped the team from the rankings. The Terps received 103 points from votes toward the top 25 this week, though, slotting them in at No. 27 overall.
Maryland faces Seton Hall on Saturday, a team that knocked off Rutgers and No. 19 Kentucky in its past two games. Seven Big Ten teams are ranked in the top 25, with No. 4 Michigan leading the group and No. 25 Nebraska sliding into the field after a 9-2 start.
