COLLEGE PARK, Md. — It’s back to the road after the Terps’ worst loss of the season.
"We’ve been a really good team in [the Big Ten Conference] for a long time. This year it’s been really difficult for us but it’s not like we’re rolling over," said Head Coach Mark Turgeon.
After losing at No. 7 Michigan 87-63, the opponent doesn’t get much easier. The Terps visit No. 17 Minnesota on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. There is no room for error with this season’s version of the Terrapins.
"What we’ve learned is we really have to play well to win in this league," said Turgeon. "We can’t play pretty good and beat the teams in this league, for where we are. We have to play really well."
The last time the Golden Gophers (11-4, 4-4) took the floor they handed first place Michigan its only loss of the season. Maryland (8-7, 2-6) knows it has to contain 7-foot center Liam Robbins. The Terrapins have trouble defending big men.
"We’re going to have to mix our defenses and our coverages and all that kind of stuff. He’s so long and so big. He’s a heck of a player," said Turgeon.
The Terps have to get right shooting as well. Against the Wolverines they shot only 41 percent from the field and drained a season-low four 3-pointers on 19 attempts. They are confident they can turn it around.
"We really have nothing to lose," said Terps forward Jairus Hamilton. "We’re just going out there to compete and giving it our all. We haven’t had the season that we wanted to have so far but it doesn’t mean the season is over today."
"Just trying to go in places and just compete the best we can and stay in games," added guard Eric Ayala. "Looking forward to going to Minnesota and competing."
This will be the Terps’ second and possibly final chance at a first in program history. If they beat the Gophers it will be the first time Maryland will have defeated three ranked teams on the road in a single season.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerWMAR and Facebook
