Maryland and Nebraska are set to face off in the first conference game between the two. The Terrapins have seemingly escaped their rough patch of play, winning their last two contests with close wins over Indiana and Penn State. Maryland fans have been getting accustomed to nail-biting finishes as the Terps have won four conference games by less than three points. Dez Wells, Maryland's heartbeat and leader, has been his old self in the last four games, averaging more than 18 points a game on 64 percent shooting.
The Cornhuskers are not playing like a team one year removed from the NCAA Tournament, losing eight of 13 conference games. Nebraska will be looking to get out of their three game losing streak but will face a handful against a Maryland team who hasn't lost a home game since failing to upset the then-ranked seventh Virginia Cavaliers. The Cornhuskers have a top heavy lineup, which is headlined by juniors Terran Pettaway and Shavon Shields. Pettaway shoots enough for the entire team but can fill up the stat sheet and is averaging 18.6 points a game this season.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: BTN
Terrapin Sports Radio Network and live audio available here.
Online streaming: BTN2GO
The numbers
Rankings and records: Maryland is 21-5 and ranked No. 16 in the AP Poll and No. 15 in the Coaches Poll. Nebraska is ranked 13-12 and not ranked in any polls.
KenPom's prediction: Maryland, 63-55. 84 percent chance Maryland wins.
Two things at stake
Okay, so Maryland is evidently heading out of their short-lived funk but could use yet another home win to solidify their position near the top of the Big Ten.
Nebraska realistically doesn't stand much of a chance for an at-large bid to the dance this year so they are either playing for spoiler or eyeing the tourney. In either case, a win against a good Maryland team couldn't hurt.
One big matchup
Terran Pettaway vs. Dez Wells. Pettaway is more than capable than taking his team to the win column while shooting more than 20 shots but he's also capable of shooting his team out of the game. Wells, seemingly fully recovered from his wrist injury which hindered him for a few weeks, is back and playing as if he were never hurt. Expect Wells to continue to build on his past performances and Pettaway to lead the Cornhuskers in scoring.
Further reading
Check out our preview and why Ivan Bender won't be suiting up this season.