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Maryland Basketball: Terps set to renew rivalry with Georgetown

By Brandon Austin

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Nov 14, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard L.J. Peak (0) dunks the ball against the Radford Highlanders in the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The University of Maryland and Georgetown University, schools within close proximity of one another, once shared an intriguing rivalry on the basketball court. It’s been an extended period of time since these two programs met. The last time the Terps and Hoyas hooked up was back in 2008 and the last time Maryland hosted Georgetown was over 30 years ago.

The two teams enter Tuesday night’s matchup with totally different mindsets. Maryland is coming off of an impressive victory in their season opener against Mount St. Mary’s. However, they are still looking to solidify themselves as a legitimate threat to win it all. Georgetown, on the other hand, suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of Radford. The Hoyas are out to prove that they are still the team that was projected to be an NCAA Tournament team.

This game is one of the marquee matchups that will be featured in the 1st annual Gavitt Tipoff Games, which pits teams from the Big Ten against teams from the Big East. Here’s everything you need to know heading into the big game.

Players to Watch:

Georgetown

  • G D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, Sr. Smith-Rivera has firmly established himself as one of the top guards in the country. He is the Hoyas’ best scorer and most efficient offensive player overall. Maryland will have their hands full trying to check him all night long.
  • G L.J. Peak, So. Peak should be one of the most improved players on the team this season. He is a gifted athlete and is capable of making big plays on both ends of the court. He struggled at times against Radford, but is hoping for a bounce-back performance.
  • C Bradley Hayes, Sr. Hayes is definitely a player who could give Maryland’s bigs some fits. He’s 7-foot, 275 pounds. Hayes put together a stellar performance in the opener, recording a double-double (19 points and 12 rebounds).
  • F Isaac Copeland, So. In order to compete with the frontcourt of the Terps, Georgetown will need to get some production from someone other than Hayes. Copeland is likely that guy.

Maryland

G

This one basically goes without saying. Trimble is one of college basketball’s premier players at the point guard position. Look for him to impact this game in multiple ways. He’ll be locked up with Smith-Rivera all night long.

More from Maryland Terrapins

  • F Robert Carter, Jr. Carter had a solid debut in a Terps’ uniform, finishing just two rebounds shy of a double-double. Continue to watch out for his development as a player who can help stretch the floor from the power forward position.
  • C Diamond Stone, Fr. Stone made his collegiate debut last Friday and did not disappoint. His versatility has been on display early in the season and he will only get better with time.
  • G Rasheed Sulaimon, Sr. Sulaimon was rather quiet in the opener. On such a talented team, he will most likely take a back seat to other players on the offensive end, but his greatest value is on defense. Expect him to be tasked with defending the tough guards for Georgetown.

Keys to Victory:

Georgetown

  • Get to the free throw line
  • Get on Smith-Rivera’s back
  • Big game from the big men

Maryland

  • Play their game
  • Contain Smith-Rivera
  • Dominate on the glass

Prediction:

The loss to Radford had to sting for the Hoyas, so expect them to come out and play with a chip on their shoulder. They’ll likely get out to a fast start, with Maryland eventually responding. Georgetown will manage to stick around for a little bit, but the Terps will wind up having too much firepower for them to handle.

Next: Maryland Basketball Cruises to Victory in Season Opener

Maryland 68, Georgetown 55

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