Terrapins Soar in Season Opener, Set to Face Familiar Foe Georgetown

The Maryland Terrapins men's basketball team is set to take the floor at Xfinity Center for the first time in the 2025 season on Friday, November 10th, as they host the Georgetown Hoyas. This will mark the first home game of the Buzz Williams era, and the College Park faithful are eager to see the new-look Terps in action.

Maryland (1-0) is coming off a comfortable 83-61 season-opening victory against Coppin State in Baltimore on Monday, November 6th. The Terps showcased their energy and execution, setting a program record with 10 three-pointers made. Head coach Buzz Williams was pleased with the team's performance, noting the "more continuity on both sides of the ball" and the "pure energy" displayed by his players.

The Hoyas (1-0) also opened their season on Monday with an 87-70 win over Morgan State. The two teams have a long history, having met 65 times since their first matchup in 1911. Maryland holds a 38-27 advantage in the all-time series, including a Sweet Sixteen victory over Georgetown in 2001 that sent the Terps to the Elite Eight.

The last meeting between the two programs was nearly a decade ago, in November 2016, when Maryland edged out the Hoyas 76-75 in a close back-and-forth affair. Star point guard Melo Trimble led the Terps with 22 points, including a pair of game-winning free throws in the final seconds.

As the Terrapins prepare for Friday's clash, they will be led by forward Julian Payne, who had an impressive 21-point, six-rebound, and one-steal performance in the season opener. Payne will face a formidable Georgetown frontcourt, including two seven-footers in the center positions.

The game will also feature a familiar face for Maryland fans, as former Terp DeShawn Harris-Smith now suits up for the Hoyas after transferring from College Park following the 2024 season.