Maryland hosts Georgetown in Home Opener Friday

The last meeting was held nearly 10 years ago. Back in November of 2016, the season was beginning with both teams 1-0. It was a close back-and-forth affair all game long, with neither team gaining real separation until, with under five minutes left, the Hoyas led 65-56. The Terps stormed back, outscoring the Hoyas 20-10, led by a 22-point performance from star point guard Melo Trimble, who also hit a pair of game-winning free throws to earn Maryland a 76-75 win.

Overall, Maryland leads 38-27 in the all-time meetings and has won 6 of the past 10 meetings.

Can Pharrell Payne Build Off Strong Debut?

Payne had a fantastic start to his Terps career, leading the way with a 21-point, six-rebound, and one-steal performance. Payne shot 6-of-8 from the field and was perfect on all nine of his free-throw attempts. The main thing that stood out to me was the physicality he played with, imposing his will inside the paint, whether he was matched up one-on-one or double-teamed. He was a force to be reckoned with.

He'll be facing off against a much bigger team with a lot of size from their backcourt and into their front court. The Hoyas have two seven-footers in the centers, Vince Iwuchukwu and Julius Halaifonua, who will mind the paint.

Familiar Face Returns To College Park

Maryland fans will recognize a familiar face on the Georgetown team in guard DeShawn Harris-Smith. Harris-Smith was a part of the Kevin Willard era in College Park, playing from 2023 to 2024 before transferring to D.C. in the offseason. He was looking to earn a bigger role somewhere else that he didn't get a chance to do in his final season with the Terps.

Harris Smith, in two seasons with the Terps, averaged 4.8 points, 1.6 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and shot 38% from the field.

Game Details

When: Nov 8

Where: Xfinity Center at College Park, Maryland

Time: 6 p.m.

How To Watch: FS1

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