Minneapolis, Minn. — With the Maryland men’s basketball team desperately seeking a much-needed victory, graduate guard Diggy Coit stepped up in a big way during a crucial showdown against Minnesota on Sunday. Trailing by six points with less than 10 minutes remaining, Coit delivered a sensational performance, scoring 15 points in that pivotal stretch to lead the Terps to a 67-62 victory.
This marked only Maryland’s second win in Big Ten play this season and came at a critical time for a team grappling with a challenging campaign. The triumph provided a welcome relief for players and fans alike, breaking a streak of four consecutive losses that had weighed heavily on the program.
The contest began with an unexpected lineup change as Collin Metcalf received his second straight start. Previously averaging less than seven minutes per game, Metcalf played a season-high 19 minutes, contributing four points and three rebounds. While he showed some defensive weaknesses, he collected two important rebounds late in the game, helping to sustain his team’s effort.
Head Coach Buzz Williams has not shied away from making substantial alterations to the team’s game plan this season, and Sunday was no exception. This time, it was the defense that underwent a significant transformation. The Terps implemented an aggressive full-court press and relied on trapping strategies, aiming to force the Gophers into making rushed decisions.
Maryland’s defense, however, faced a significant challenge against a Minnesota squad that had struggled from three-point range earlier in the season. The Gophers took full advantage, launching 47 attempts from beyond the arc, with 33 of those in the first half alone, including a staggering 8-of-16 from deep before halftime. The Terps, despite their defensive intensity, found themselves yielding open shots and could only watch as Minnesota’s shooters thrived.
Despite the struggles, Maryland remained resilient throughout the first half. Redshirt freshman Andre Mills demonstrated both athleticism and shooting prowess, keeping his team competitive with 12 points, including some gritty mid-range shots. The Terps managed to maintain their deficit to just one point by halftime, an impressive feat given the adversity they faced.
In the second half, both teams initially traded baskets, but it was Coit’s late-game heroics that secured the win for Maryland. Forcing turnovers and creating additional possessions through defensive pressure, the Terps remained highly competitive, relying heavily on their star guard. While the supporting cast struggled to find the net late in the game, scoring only five points in the final 17 minutes, Coit’s 20 points in the second half made all the difference.
Maryland’s victory demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity—an important characteristic for a team that had recently experienced a string of disheartening losses. The emotional toll of recent games was evident, with players visibly energized by the win.
Despite the collective effort, not all players found their rhythm. Forward Saunders, previously a key contributor, encountered a challenging outing, finishing with just two points and missing all five of his three-point attempts. Meanwhile, Solomon Washington’s presence was felt in the paint, contributing nine points and ten rebounds while battling through physical encounters.
With this win, the Terps not only uplifted their spirits but also solidified Coach Williams’ cultural foundation within the program. The coming games will be vital as Maryland seeks to build on this momentum and reclaim its competitive edge in the Big Ten.