Andrew Pace
The Maryland Terrapins and the West Virginia Mountaineers have faced off before in the NCAA Tournament, with the Mountaineers defeating the Terrapins in the second round back in 2015. In 2023, the two teams met again in the first round of March Madness, with Maryland seeded 8th and West Virginia seeded 9th. The game, which took place on March 16, 2023, at 12:15 pm ET, was a close contest, with both teams having similar trajectories throughout the season and a balanced scoring attack. Maryland's success has been largely attributed to its strong defense, while West Virginia boasts a top-20 offense led by senior guard Erik Stevenson. With both teams having notable strengths and familiar foes, the question of who will win remains a thrilling uncertainty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | March 16, 2023, 12:15 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama |
| Teams | No. 8 Maryland Terrapins vs. No. 9 West Virginia Mountaineers |
| Coaches | Maryland's Kevin Willard vs. West Virginia's Bob Huggins |
| Players to Watch | Maryland: Jahmir Young, Donta Scott, Julian Reese, Hakim Hart, Don Carey; West Virginia: Erik Stevenson, Tre Mitchell, Emmitt Matthews Jr., Kedrian Johnson, Joe Toussaint |
| Season Records | Maryland: 21-12; West Virginia: 19-14 |
| Rankings | West Virginia ranked higher in NET and KenPom |
| Offense | West Virginia ranked 15th in the country in terms of efficiency |
| Defense | Maryland has the stronger projected defense, holding opponents to 63.2 ppg, the lowest since the 1981-82 season |
| Betting Odds | West Virginia favored by 2.5 points by Caesars Sportsbook; West Virginia money line: -145, Maryland +120 |
| Final Score | Maryland 67-65 West Virginia |
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What You'll Learn
West Virginia's offensive strategy
DeVries employs a comprehensive playbook with around 10-15 tailored plays practiced before each game, allowing players to adapt to varying defences and leverage their individual strengths. This flexible approach enables the team to optimise player roles while responding to the opponents' defensive schemes.
Key to this strategy is the ability of players like Tucker DeVries, Javon Small, and Jonathan Powell to make effective decisions and execute open three-point shots or drives to the basket based on what the defence gives them. This offensive system can result in a high volume of three-point attempts, with the potential for thirty in a game.
While West Virginia's offensive philosophy emphasises flexibility, it is important to note that they still face challenges in other areas of their game. They need to address rebounding deficiencies and improve rim protection to achieve balanced gameplay. Strengthening these areas will be critical for the team's success as they aim to adapt their offensive strategies to the defensive challenges they encounter.
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Maryland's defensive strategy
Firstly, Maryland has been effective in limiting opponent shooting. They have held opposing teams to 32.1% shooting from 3-point range and 47.7% from inside the arc, which is a key factor in lowering the overall score of their opponents. Maryland's ability to control the defensive rebounds is another significant strength, as they secure nearly 73% of available rebounds. This not only limits their opponents' second-chance opportunities but also provides Maryland with additional possessions to control the pace of the game.
Maryland's defence has also been successful in creating turnovers, with a turnover rate of 18.4% on defensive possessions. This allows them to convert turnovers into easy offensive transitions. Additionally, Maryland has excelled in free-throw prevention, further limiting their opponents' scoring opportunities.
The Terrapins' defensive strategy will be crucial in countering West Virginia's offensive threats, particularly their senior guard, Erik Stevenson, who leads a top-20 offence with 15.5 points per game. Maryland's ability to disrupt West Virginia's offence and create turnovers will be essential in dictating the pace and flow of the game.
Maryland's defensive prowess, coupled with their ability to generate turnovers and limit opponent scoring, will be pivotal in their efforts to contain West Virginia's offensive firepower and come out victorious in this closely contested matchup.
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Player performance
The No. 8 seed Maryland Terrapins faced off against the No. 9 West Virginia Mountaineers in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. The game, which tipped off at 12:15 pm ET at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, was a closely contested matchup that saw Maryland edge out a 67-65 victory.
Maryland's success this season has been largely attributed to their strong defensive performances, holding opponents to 63.2 points per game, the lowest since the 1981-82 season. They continued this trend in the tournament, with their guard, Jahmir Young, leading the team in scoring with 16.1 points per game. Young's ability to shoot from beyond the arc, particularly as a pick-and-roll ball handler, poses a significant threat to opposing defenses. Senior forward Donta Scott, who contributes 11.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, is another key player for the Terrapins. Their starting lineup also includes Julian Reese, a sophomore forward who averages 11.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, providing additional scoring and rebounding support.
On the other hand, West Virginia entered the tournament with a higher ranking in both NET and KenPom, boasting a top-20 offense led by senior guard Erik Stevenson, who averages 15.5 points per game. The Mountaineers' offense is known for its efficiency, ranking 15th in the country. Their dynamic playstyle includes a tenacious press that can disrupt opposing offenses, and they excel in transition, scoring 1.092 points per possession in these situations. Senior forward Tre Mitchell, with his versatility and defensive prowess, is another standout player for West Virginia.
In the end, Maryland's defensive prowess and the performances of their key players, including Young and Scott, proved to be the deciding factors in their narrow victory over West Virginia.
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Coaching
The outcome of a basketball game is influenced by several factors, and coaching is one of the most significant. In the matchup between Maryland and West Virginia, the coaching strategies and tactics employed will play a pivotal role in determining the victor.
Maryland's head coach, Kevin Willard, has the challenging task of leading his team in their first season under his guidance. Willard's coaching philosophy emphasizes a strong defensive strategy. Maryland's defence has been exceptional this season, holding opponents to 63.2 points per game, the lowest since the 1981-82 season. This defensive prowess is further bolstered by their ability to limit opponent shooting percentages and their impressive block rate. Willard's team is also adept at preventing free throws and creating turnovers, which can disrupt the rhythm of their opponents.
On the other hand, West Virginia's head coach, Bob Huggins, is renowned for his pressing style of play, often referred to as "Press Virginia". Huggins' strategy focuses on aggressive defence and disrupting opposing offenses. While their press rate has decreased in recent years, their offensive capabilities remain dynamic and potent. Senior guard Erik Stevenson, with 15.5 points per game, and senior forward Tre Mitchell, excel in this system and pose a significant threat to Maryland. Huggins' ability to utilise his players' strengths and execute their fast-paced style of play will be crucial in their pursuit of victory.
The coaching battle between Willard and Huggins will be a fascinating tactical duel. Both coaches have a deep understanding of the game and have crafted strategies that suit their respective teams. Willard's focus on defence and Huggins' emphasis on offensive transition and pressing create an intriguing contrast in styles. The ability of the coaches to make in-game adjustments, exploit weaknesses, and motivate their players will be pivotal in the outcome of the game.
Ultimately, the coaching strategies employed by both teams will significantly influence the flow and outcome of the game. While Maryland's Willard has crafted a formidable defence, West Virginia's Huggins brings experience and a dynamic offensive approach. The coaches' ability to adapt, motivate, and execute their game plans will be crucial in determining who emerges victorious in this closely contested matchup.
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Historical performance
West Virginia and Maryland have faced each other on the basketball court several times in the past, with a history dating back to 1934. Overall, West Virginia's men's basketball team has been dominant, with a 24-14 record against Maryland. This includes an impressive 6-1 record on a neutral court.
The two teams have not met in eight years, with their last encounter taking place in 2015 during the NCAA Tournament. West Virginia, known for their "Press Virginia" style of play, secured a 69-59 victory over Maryland, thanks to a strong performance by Devin Williams, who achieved a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double. This was the second time they had faced each other in the NCAA Tournament, the first being in 1984 in Birmingham, Alabama, where Maryland emerged as the winner.
Looking further back, West Virginia enjoyed a streak of success against Maryland, winning 10 consecutive meetings from 1934 through 1951. Since 1987, the Mountaineers have continued their winning ways, taking six of the seven most recent meetings, including the last three.
While historical performance favours West Virginia, Maryland has had a strong defensive performance this season, holding opponents to 63.2 points per game, the lowest since the 1981-82 season. They also have a strong record against the spread, going 4-2 in their last six games, while West Virginia has a 5-1 record in their last six.
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Frequently asked questions
The outcome of the game is uncertain until it is played. However, West Virginia has been billed as a slight favourite by BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook. West Virginia also finished the season with a higher ranking.
West Virginia has a top-20 offence in the country, led by senior guard Erik Stevenson with 15.5 points per game. Maryland has a strong defence, holding opponents to 63.2 points per game, the lowest since the 1981-82 season.
West Virginia's offence relies on senior guard Erik Stevenson and senior forward Tre Mitchell. If they are shut down, the team does not have many other scoring options. Maryland relies on senior guard Jahmir Young and senior forward Donta Scott for points. If their duo is shut down, Maryland will struggle to score.
West Virginia defeated Maryland in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2015.
