News - Purdue Aims to End Losing Streak Against Struggling Maryland

The Purdue Boilermakers look to rebound from a rough patch as they face the Maryland Terrapins on Sunday. After starting the season strong, Purdue has hit a slump with a three-game losing streak, dropping them in the Big Ten standings. Maryland, on the other hand, has been on a downward spiral, losing 11 of their last 13 games and finding themselves near the bottom of the league. As Purdue visits College Park, the game presents an opportunity for both teams to change their fortunes. The Boilermakers, known for their potent 3-point shooting, need to reinforce their defensive efforts, especially from beyond the arc, which has been a weakness during their recent losses. They've allowed opponents like UCLA, Illinois, and Indiana to shoot effectively from distance, part of a broader issue that head coach Matt Painter attributes more to effort than strategy. Purdue hopes to capitalize on their strengths, primarily their ability to shoot efficiently from three-point range and their strong playmaking skills, ranking 21st nationally in 3-point shooting percentage and leading the conference in assists per game. In contrast, Maryland has faced significant challenges, most recently seen in a demoralizing 91-48 loss against Michigan State, marking one of their worst defeats in decades. The Terrapins, under first-year head coach Buzz Williams, have struggled to gain momentum this season but have occasionally shown resilience at home. Despite those efforts, Maryland sits at 1-8 in conference play, reminiscent of their struggles in the early 90s. The odds strongly favor a Purdue resurgence in this matchup, with predictions pointing to them overcoming a 13.5-point spread. Observers expect the Boilermakers to dismantle Maryland's defenses with their calculated offensive plays, potentially leading to a blowout. As both teams seek redemption, the game could either confirm Purdue's status as a Big Ten contender or offer Maryland a platform to surprise skeptics with a homecourt upset.