Though Maryland is considered the home team in their 2K Sports Classic benefitting Coaches v. Cancer semifinal matchup against the No. 5 Pittsburgh Panthers, Pitt has much more familiarity with Madison Square Garden, playing there every year in the Big East Tournament. Based on the Terps' solid first-half showing against their highly ranked opponent on a big stage, it doesn't look like any of that matters to Maryland, who trails Pittsburgh 31-27 at halftime.
Cliff Tucker has a team-high eight points for Maryland. Jordan Williams has six points and five rebounds, while Dino Gregory added four points. The Panthers are led by Gilbert Brown and Ashton Gibbs' six points.
The Terps have held their own against a larger and more experienced Panthers team, outrunning them and scoring most of their points in transition. Maryland, however, has been decimated on the boards, trailing in that category 22-14. Williams is the only Terp who can stand toe-to-toe with Pitt's frontcourt and the rest of the team is getting outmuscled inside.
Maryland's four point deficit is surprising. Pittsburgh is shooting 32% from the field compared to Maryland's 48%, but Pittsburgh's seven offensive rebounds and free throw advantage is taking effect. The Panthers are shooting 11-15 from the line, Maryland 0-7. The Terps committed 13 fouls in the first 20 minutes and Williams had three; his absence would be detrimental to Maryland if they want to stay close in this game.