Maryland holds off Nicholls for 18th straight home win

Field Level Media|published: Tue 19th December, 23:18 2023

Dec 19, 2023; College Park, Maryland, USA; Nicholls State Colonels forward Diante Smith (5) dribble by Maryland Terrapins guard Jahari Long (2) during the first half at Xfinity Center. credits: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Jahmir Young recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds as Maryland withstood a challenge from Nicholls of the Southland Conference, winning 73-67 on Tuesday night in College Park, Md.

Donta Scott had 15 points and seven rebounds while Julian Reese added nine points, 13 rebounds and six blocks as Maryland (7-4) extended its home winning streak to 18 games, dating to December of last year.

With the noise level muted at the usually raucous arena because students are on holiday break, the Terrapins had trouble shaking loose from the Colonels.

Diante Smith had 18 points and 12 rebounds to pace Nicholls (4-7), which was gunning for its second upset this season of a major conference foe. Last month, Nicholls toppled in-state opponent LSU 68-66.

A victory Tuesday would have been big for Colonels first-year coach Tevon Saddler. The youngest coach in Division I, at age 28, was on Maryland's staff last year, serving under Terrapins coach Kevin Willard.

Also returning to his home state was Jamal West Jr., who provided 14 points, four blocks and a career-high 18 rebounds.

Jalen White scored 15 points, hitting 5 of 6 shots from beyond the arc to keep the Colonels close. For the game, Nicholls hit 12 of 22 (54.5 percent) from deep.

Early in the second half, Nicholls went on a 13-point run, fueled by two 3-pointers by White plus two blocked shots and two baskets by West.

The spree transformed a four-point deficit into a nine-point lead for the Colonels, who were up 43-34 with 14:27 left.

But the Terrapins answered with the next six points, including a 3-pointer by Scott.

Jahari Long came off the Maryland bench and played a major role. His 3-pointer gave the Terrapins a 52-49 lead with 6:51 left. From that point, the Terrapins never trailed.

Long also hit a 3-pointer with 1:10 left to put Maryland up 65-59.

In the final 34 seconds, Young kept the Terrapins in charge, hitting 6 of 6 free throws.

In the first half, neither team led by more than five points. A 3-pointer by Scott with 6 seconds left in the period gave Maryland a 28-27 lead at the break.

—Field Level Media

Latest