Maryland Terrapins vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights Picks and Predictions February 9th 2025

NBA Prospects Draw Major Attention to College Park

If there’s one game this weekend with serious NBA implications, it’s Sunday’s showdown between Rutgers and No. 18 Maryland. With more than 30 NBA scouts reportedly expected to be in attendance, all eyes will be on three potential first-round draft picks—Rutgers’ Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, and Maryland’s Derik Queen.

Bailey and Harper are both considered top-five prospects for the upcoming NBA Draft, making them one of the most dynamic freshman duos in the country. Queen, a highly skilled big man, is projected to go later in the first round but has been a dominant force for Maryland all season.

While the future is bright for these freshmen, the focus remains on the present, where both teams are fighting for key positioning in the Big Ten standings.

Rutgers Building Momentum Behind Its Star Duo

The Scarlet Knights (12-11, 5-7 Big Ten) have relied heavily on Bailey and Harper throughout an inconsistent season. Despite individual brilliance, Rutgers has struggled to string together wins, making its push for an NCAA Tournament berth more challenging.

Bailey leads Rutgers in scoring (20.1 points per game), rebounding (7.9), and blocks (1.4), while Harper is the team’s top playmaker with 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Harper also contributes 19.1 points per contest, meaning the duo accounts for nearly two-thirds of Rutgers’ offensive production.

Injuries and illness have slowed Harper at times, but his return to full health was on full display Wednesday when Rutgers pulled off its biggest win of the season—an 82-73 home victory over No. 23 Illinois.

Harper was electric, putting up 28 points, six rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Bailey added 18 points and 11 boards in a performance that showcased just how dangerous Rutgers can be when its stars are clicking.

“It opens a lot for me,” Bailey said of Harper’s return. “I ain’t got to worry about two or three people trying to box me out at the same time because they got to worry about D-Harp attacking. … And that opens up for a lot more for our teammates.”

Rutgers will now look to add another marquee win against a ranked opponent, and a victory over Maryland could be a game-changer for its NCAA Tournament hopes.

Maryland Looks to Recover After Tough Loss at Ohio State

The Terrapins (17-6, 7-5 Big Ten) entered the Top 25 for the first time in nearly two years after a stretch of six wins in seven games. But their stay could be short-lived after suffering a crushing 73-70 road loss at Ohio State on Thursday, a game in which they blew a 17-point lead.

Freshman big man Derik Queen had a quieter game than usual, scoring 13 points on just seven shot attempts while grabbing eight rebounds. Fellow frontcourt standout Julian Reese was more effective, finishing with 24 points and 13 boards.

However, Maryland struggled to contain Ohio State’s backcourt, as Bruce Thornton torched the Terrapins for 31 points, including the game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds. With Harper and Bailey coming to town, Maryland will need to tighten its perimeter defense.

Despite the defensive lapses, head coach Kevin Willard remains confident in his team’s ability to guard elite guards.

“I thought we did a really good job for the most part (defending Thornton),” Willard said. “Even when he made a couple of tough twos, we were OK with that. … I thought our defense at the end was really good. We switched out. We covered everything.”

Key Matchups to Watch

Dylan Harper vs. Maryland’s perimeter defense – If Maryland struggled to contain Thornton, how will it fare against one of the most explosive guards in the country? Harper’s ability to create shots and distribute could be the biggest X-factor.

Ace Bailey vs. Derik Queen & Julian Reese – Bailey is used to drawing extra defensive attention, but Maryland’s size in the frontcourt could present a unique challenge. If he can get to his spots and stretch the floor, Rutgers will have a major advantage.

Maryland’s offensive balance vs. Rutgers’ defensive pressure – The Terrapins rely heavily on their frontcourt, but if Rutgers can force Queen into a limited role as it did with Illinois’ big men, Maryland may struggle to find scoring depth.

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A Must-Watch Game with Tournament Implications

Beyond the NBA intrigue, this is a critical game for both teams. Rutgers is trying to prove it belongs in the NCAA Tournament conversation, while Maryland is looking to hold onto its Top 25 ranking and strengthen its Big Ten standing.

With star freshmen set to put on a show, NBA scouts in the building, and both teams needing a win, expect an intense battle in College Park. Will Rutgers pull off another upset, or can Maryland defend its home court and bounce back? Sunday’s matchup could have a lasting impact on both the Big Ten race and the future of these rising stars.