Nancy Turner
Nov 23, 2023 - 08:25

Villanova Basketball 2023-24 Game Preview Maryland Terrapins

Villanova faces Maryland in a pivotal game in the 2023 Gavitt Games. Players to watch are Jahmir Young and Julian Reese.

The Villanova Wildcats (2-1) are set to go head-to-head against the Maryland Terrapins (1-2) in their home territory on Friday night at 8:30 PM EST. This will be a pivotal game in the 2023 Gavitt Games, which is currently tied at 3-3 entering Friday. Villanova-Maryland and Butler-Michigan State are the last remaining contests in this year's series.

Two players to watch during this game are Jahmir Young (guard) and Julian Reese. Young has averaged 14.7 points per game, 5.7 assists, and 1.7 steals. He is one of only 10 active NCAA players with at least 1,900 points, 600 rebounds and 350 assists in his career. Reese averages 13.0 points per game, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks. He had a tough freshman season but rebounded quickly during his sophomore year, becoming a critical player for Maryland's offense.

DeShawn Harris-Smith, a freshman guard, has averaged 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game through his first few collegiate contests. Donta Scott, a versatile forward, averages 8.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game. Jahari Long has been more of a defensive asset in the backcourt.

Coach Willard is known for the strength of his teams' defense and scrappy play. Last season, Maryland finished 32nd in the country in defensive efficiency, according to KenPom. This year, they seem to be back on track, rated 33rd overall in defensive efficiency by KenPom.

Maryland's defense is skilled at clamping down on the perimeter and making opponents uncomfortable from the three-point line. Last year, they held opponents to shooting just 32.3% from deep, and through three games this year, they've limited their foes to 30.6%. Villanova struggled to shoot against Penn, so they will have to bring their A-game.

The Terrapins have struggled offensively, shooting just 22.6% from long range. They've also struggled with turnovers, coughing the ball up on 21.6% of possessions. Maryland has also faltered in the second half and down the stretch, giving up a comeback-sparking 13-0 run to UAB in their last outing.

Hakim Hart, a graduate transfer for Villanova, will be facing his former team. After seeing limited action in the loss against Penn, the 6-foot-8 forward has demonstrated versatility on the floor and has shined as a defender. Could he be the 'Cats secret weapon Friday night?