Entering their only meeting of the regular season on Wednesday in Ann Arbor, No. 13 Maryland and host Michigan, ranked No. 17, have taken different routes to success in the Big Ten Conference. Michigan (22-7, 14-4 Big Ten) is in second place in the conference standings, just behind No. 9 Purdue, while Maryland (22-8, 13-6 Big Ten) is in a tie for fifth place with No. 24 Rutgers.
The Wolverines are led by the frontcourt duo of Hunter Dickinson and Terrance Williams II, who have been instrumental in their team's success this season. Dickinson, a 7-foot-1 center, is averaging 17.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, while Williams II, a 6-foot-7 forward, is averaging 11.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
On the other hand, Maryland is led by the frontcourt duo of Julian Reese and Donta Scott, who have been the driving force behind their team's offense. Reese, a 6-foot-9 forward, is averaging 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, while Scott, a 6-foot-8 forward, is averaging 16.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
The matchup between these two frontcourt duos is expected to be one of the most exciting aspects of the game. Both teams have relied heavily on their big men to score and rebound, and the team that can gain an advantage in the paint is likely to come out on top.
Michigan has been one of the best defensive teams in the Big Ten this season, allowing just 63.4 points per game. They have been particularly effective at defending the three-point line, allowing opponents to shoot just 31.4 percent from beyond the arc.
However, Maryland has been one of the best offensive teams in the conference, averaging 71.4 points per game. They have been led by the play of their guards, including Jahmir Young and Hakim Hart, who have been able to penetrate the defense and create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates.
The game is expected to be a close and competitive one, with both teams having a lot to play for. Michigan is looking to solidify its position in the conference standings, while Maryland is looking to improve its chances of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
The game will be played at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM ET. It will be broadcast on ESPN, and fans can also stream the game online through the ESPN app.