Opponent: No. 5 Iowa Hawkeyes (9-2, 3-1 Big Ten)
Location: Xfinity Center, College Park, Maryland
Tipoff: 7:00 EST, Thursday, January 7
Last matchup: January 30, 2020 — Maryland 82-72
Last game: Maryland lost to Indiana 63-55; Iowa defeated Rutgers 77-75
Line: Iowa -5.5 per OddsShark
TV: ESPN2 — Jason Benetti (Play-by-Play) and Robbie Hummel (Analyst)
Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Maryland Sports Radio Network (105.7 FM Baltimore, 980 AM D.C., TuneIn Radio App) — Johnny Holliday (play-by-play), Chris Knoche (analyst), Walt Williams (analyst)
What to watch for Maryland: Low post defense
Maryland has struggled to contain big men this year, especially in Big Ten play. With Iowa boasting potentially the best player in the country in Luka Garza at the center, Maryland will have a lot on its plate. Galin Smith and Chol Marial will likely see an uptick in minutes tonight, or Donta Scott and Jairus Hamilton will have to try and guard the reigning Big Ten player of the year.
What to watch for Iowa: Three-point defense
Iowa’s offense has been electric thus far, scoring over 90 points per game and having the most efficient offense in the country according to KenPom. However, the Hawkeyes defense has been suspect, ranking 97th in KenPom and allowing 74 points per game. The Hawkeyes’ opponents have shot 35.6 percent from beyond the arc this season, and with Maryland boasting KenPom’s 13th highest rated offense and shooting 36.6 percent from three, it could be a barn burner.
