After back-to-back losses to No. 7 Texas and No. 12 Ohio State, No. 8 Maryland faces its toughest challenge yet against undefeated No. 1 UCLA on Sunday. The game, set for 2 p.m. at Xfinity Center, will be broadcast on NBC, offering the Terrapins a national stage to prove their mettle.
UCLA Bruins (19-0, 6-0 Big Ten)
Under head coach Cori Close, UCLA has established itself as the nation’s top team. The Bruins remain the only undefeated squad in the Power Five and boast signature wins over former No. 1 South Carolina, No. 24 Michigan, and No. 25 Baylor.
Key Players:
Lauren Betts (C, Jr.): The 6-foot-7 center leads UCLA with 20.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Betts, a National Player of the Year contender, has dominated on both ends of the court.
Kiki Rice (G, Jr.): The Bethesda native and UCLA’s point guard averages 12.8 points and a team-high 4.4 assists per game. Rice is a dynamic playmaker and one of the Big Ten’s best guards.
Gabriela Jaquez (G, Jr.): Averaging 10.3 points and 5.6 rebounds, Jaquez contributes both as a starter and off the bench.
Strength: Defense
UCLA’s defensive prowess is unmatched, allowing just 54.4 points per game (13th in the nation). Betts anchors the team’s interior defense, helping the Bruins average over five blocks per game.
Weakness: Lack of Road Experience
While UCLA has excelled this season, it has yet to secure a major road win in a hostile environment. Sunday’s “blackout” game at Xfinity Center, with Maryland fans in full force, will test the Bruins’ poise under pressure.
Three Keys to the Matchup
1. Sellers’ Availability
Maryland’s star guard Shyanne Sellers remains day-to-day with a sprained right knee. Without her, the Terps’ offense will struggle to keep pace. Sellers’ status will likely be a game-day decision.
2. Rebounding Battle
The game features the Big Ten’s top two rebounding teams. Maryland’s ability to neutralize Betts on the boards is critical. Coach Brenda Frese may turn to Amari DeBerry for size, though DeBerry has yet to make a significant impact this season.
3. Performing on the Big Stage
With this being Maryland’s only nationally televised regular-season game, the Terps have a chance to make a statement. A strong performance could bolster their postseason profile, while a lackluster showing may raise questions about their ability to contend with elite teams.
Analysis
Maryland’s success hinges on key factors: Sellers’ health, their ability to rebound effectively, and their composure under the spotlight. UCLA’s defense and Betts’ interior dominance present significant challenges. However, if Maryland can disrupt UCLA’s rhythm and capitalize on its home-court advantage, an upset is possible.
Prediction: UCLA 74, Maryland 65. The Bruins’ defensive intensity and depth should allow them to extend their undefeated streak, but the Terps will push them in a competitive contest.
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