In a high-stakes matchup at Xfinity Center, Maryland men’s basketball delivered a much-needed victory, defeating No. 22 UCLA 79-61. This win marked Maryland’s first triumph over a ranked opponent this season, ending a streak of near misses against top-tier teams like Marquette, Purdue, and Oregon. The victory was fueled by an outstanding performance from junior point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who posted a career-high 27 points, along with significant contributions from senior power forward Julian Reese and graduate student small forward Selton Miguel.
Maryland’s dominance at home continued, pushing their home record to 10-1, despite struggles in road games. The Terps managed to fend off a resilient UCLA team, which remained competitive until late in the second half. The turning point came when UCLA’s coach Mick Cronin was ejected after receiving consecutive technical fouls, leading to a decisive momentum shift in Maryland’s favor.
Key plays by Maryland, including a crucial fast-break layup by Miguel and solid defensive efforts, sealed the game. UCLA’s Tyler Bilodeau and Trent Perry put up strong performances, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Bruins from their first three-game losing streak of the season. Maryland’s ability to capitalize on UCLA’s mistakes and maintain composure under pressure highlighted their potential to compete effectively in the Big Ten. This win not only boosts the Terps’ confidence but also positions them as a formidable contender in upcoming games.
