Opponent: Radford Highlanders (7-5)
Location: Xfinity Center, College Park, Maryland
Tipoff: 6:00 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 29
Last matchup: Dec. 23, 2011 — Maryland won 65-60
Last game: Maryland lost to Seton Hall 78-74, Radford beat Georgia Southern 80-68
Kenpom prediction: Maryland wins 74-63
TV: ESPNU — Doug Sherman (play-by-play), Julianne Viani (analyst)
Streaming: WatchESPN
Radio: Maryland Sports Radio Network — Johnny Holliday (play-by-play), Chris Knoche (analyst), Walt Williams (analyst) – 105.7FM (Baltimore), 980AM (D.C.)
Student Radio: WMUC Sports — Max Marcilla
What to watch for Maryland: Make your free throws
As we’ve already written, Maryland’s missed free throws proved pivotal as the Terps lost to Seton Hall 78-74. Maryland made 60 percent of its free throws, which was lower than the 71.6-percent average the Terps had prior to their meeting with the Pirates. Maryland will have to redeem itself at the line against Radford, or Mark Turgeon’s team could suffer consecutive losses for the first time this season.
What to watch for Radford: Power conference killers
Radford already has claimed two upsets over teams from major conferences this season, winning road games against Notre Dame and Texas. In both of those victories, Radford was able to win thanks to excellent defense. Texas made 34.9 percent of its field goals against the Highlanders, while Notre Dame shot 36.1 percent. Radford is a team that runs a low-tempo offense with no real desire to push the pace, and that’s proven to be successful against more talented teams twice this season. Maryland will hope it doesn’t become thrice.
