Maryland Beats Rutgers, Wins Fourth Straight

Maryland Beats Rutgers, Wins Fourth Straight

Credit Source: University of Maryland Athletics

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Five Terrapins finished in double figures while Maryland (14-10, 8-9) used smothering defense to secure a 68-59 win over Rutgers (12-9, 8-9) Sunday afternoon.

Eric Ayala led the way with 14 points, Aaron Wiggins added 13 and Darryl Morsell (12), Hakim Hart (12) and Donta Scott (11) all finished in double digits to headline a balanced scoring attack. Wiggins posted 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season.
Jacob Young totaled a game-high 19 points for the Scarlet Knights.

The win marked the fourth straight for Maryland and the fourth win in eight days after downing Minnesota and Nebraska in back-to-back nights last week.

Maryland stifled the Scarlet Knights’ leading scorer Ron Harper Jr., who finished with just six points after entering the matchup averaging 16 points per game.

Rutgers took control on the opening tip, but Maryland remained within striking distance and took its first lead on a Scott layup at the 10:46 mark of the first half. A 9-0 run towards the end of the half helped create an eight-point cushion at the break, as the Terps held the hosts to just 20 first half points.

Maryland extended its lead to double digits early in the second half and fought off a run midway through period when the leas dropped to six. It was all about free throws down the stretch, with Maryland’s final 12 points coming by way off the charity stripe to seal the win.

The Terps will enter a week-long break before hosting Michigan State next Sunday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast on CBS and the Maryland Sports Radio Network.