Team: No. 12-seed South Dakota State

Round: Round of 64

Arena: Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena

Tip-off: 4:30 p.m.

Broadcast: TBS

Momentum: The No. 5-seed Terps fell to Michigan State in the Big Ten semifinals last Saturday, but they had a chance to win in the final seconds. Though they’ve lost five of their past eight games, the Terps remain confident they will play their best basketball in the NCAA Tournament. The Jackrabbits, meanwhile, have won six straight games, including all three in the Summit League Championships en route to earning an automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament.

Two Terps to watch

Guard Melo Trimble struggled mightily in the Terps’ semifinals loss to the Spartans. The sophomore went 2-for-15 from the floor and missed the potential go-ahead layup with about four seconds left. If the Terps want to make a run in the NCAA Tournament, they’ll need their star floor general to turn in better shooting performances.

Center Diamond Stone will be making his NCAA Tournament debut Friday. The rookie is second on the Terps with 12.9 points per game and could play a big factor against a smaller Jackrabbits squad. The 6-foot-11 freshman is taller than any player on the South Dakota State roster.

Two Jackrabbits to watch

Forward Mike Daum may not start for South Dakota State, but he headlines the attack. The redshirt freshman leads the team in points (15.2) and rebounds (6.1) per game. The 6-foot-9 Daum can shoot it from behind the arc, too. While he’s only taken 60 3-pointers this season, he’s shooting 45 percent from deep.

Guard George Marshall struggled in his team’s conference tournament, going 4-for-26, but he was strong for most of the season. The Wisconsin transfer averages 14.9 points per game and also leads the team in assists (2.7 per game). Marshall will try to get back into form as he attempts to prolong his career with an upset over the Terps.

Predictions:

Phillip Suitts: Maryland 78, South Dakota State 73. The Terps squeak out another close victory in the Round of 64 .

Josh Needelman: Maryland 76, South Dakota State 59. Coach Mark Turgeon’s team dominates in an easy opening-round win.

Ryan Baillargeon: Maryland 77, South Dakota State 69. The Terps win their 12th straight Round of 64 game behind a big game from Diamond Stone.

For updates: Follow beat writer Ryan Baillargeon (@RyanBaillargeon) and DBK Sports (@DBKSports) on Twitter for live in-game news and commentary.