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 battle for third place with No. 15 Indiana and No. 24 Rutgers.
The Wolverines, led by their talented frontcourt duo of Hunter Dickinson and Terrance Williams, have been impressive on the defensive end, allowing a conference-low 38.6% field goal percentage by their opponents.
Dickinson, a dominant force in the paint, has been nearly unstoppable, averaging 17.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Williams, on the other hand, has been a force to be reckoned with on the glass, pulling down 5.8 rebounds per contest while also contributing 11.2 points per game.
Meanwhile, Maryland has been fueled by its own dynamic frontcourt duo of Jalen Smith and Donta Scott. Smith, a 6-foot-10 sophomore, has been a revelation, averaging 15.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game while also blocking 2.3 shots per contest.
Scott, a 6-foot-8 junior, has been a versatile threat, contributing 13.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while also shooting 37.1% from beyond the arc.
The matchup between these two frontcourt duos promises to be one of the most intriguing aspects of the game, with the winner likely to gain a significant advantage in the conference standings.
Michigan coach Juwan Howard has been impressed by Maryland's frontcourt, praising their athleticism and skill. "They have a talented group of big men who can score, rebound, and defend at a high level," Howard said.
Maryland coach Mark Turgeon, on the other hand, has been focused on preparing his team for Michigan's stifling defense. "We know it will be a tough challenge, but we're confident in our ability to score and rebound against them," Turgeon said.
The game promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams vying for a crucial win in the conference standings. With the Big Ten tournament just around the corner, the stakes are high, and the intensity is sure to be palpable in Ann Arbor on Wednesday.