Maryland (7-9, 0-5 B1G) at USC (13-3, 2-3 B1G)
January 13, 2026
10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT
Galen Center
Coverage on FS1
COLLEGE PARK, MD — After a tough loss to UCLA, Maryland gears up for a challenging game against USC. This West Coast road trip is crucial, with four out of five games away from home. The only break comes with a matchup against Penn State next Sunday before the Terps hit the road again for games at Illinois and Michigan State. This grueling stretch means Maryland battles through three games in just seven days.
This season’s schedule is one of Maryland’s toughest, featuring four teams ranked in the AP Top 25 early on. In fact, this intensity mirrors the 1955-56 season when Maryland faced three consecutive ranked opponents. Back then, the closest rival was #12 Kentucky, followed by #11 North Carolina and #16 Michigan State. This time, the Terps are up against ten AP-ranked teams, the highest number since the 2003-04 season.
Injuries have plagued Maryland this year, leading to 36 missed games. One key player, Pharrel Payne, the leading scorer averaging 17.5 points, is out after getting injured against Michigan. The Terps will feel his absence as they try to find their rhythm.
**Series History**
- The Terps have a perfect record against USC, winning all four encounters, including an 88-71 victory in College Park last season.
- This game marks only the second meeting in Los Angeles; the first took place in 1990, where Maryland clinched a narrow 64-62 win.
**Impact Players**
Solomon Washington has been a refreshing addition since his return in December. After missing the first eight games, he’s now averaging 9.8 points and 9.4 rebounds. His first game against Wagner showcased his talent with ten points and six rebounds. Most impressively, his double-double against Old Dominion featured 13 points and a career-high 13 rebounds.
Elijah Saunders has also been a standout. He earned his first double-double this season with 17 points and 12 rebounds against UCLA. Over his last two games against Indiana and UCLA, he averaged 16.5 points and 9.5 rebounds, shooting over 50% from the field.
**Coaching Legacy**
Head coach Buzz Williams, who joined Maryland in April 2025, aims for a storied career. He’s looking to join an elite group of coaches who have achieved 100 wins at four different schools, a feat only accomplished by Maryland’s Hall of Fame coach Lefty Driesell and Steve Alford. Williams has already made waves, winning at least one NCAA Tournament game with three programs.
**Buzz in the Community**
Beyond the court, excitement grows for Maryland basketball. Promotions for upcoming games are underway, including special ticket packages. The “Pink Out” game against Purdue on February 1 and the “Black Out” against Ohio State on February 5 promise to be events that fans won’t want to miss. For full details on promotions, fans can check the Maryland athletics website.
As Maryland wraps up this challenging time, their resilience will be tested. The team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure may shape the rest of their season. Follow along as they strive to turn things around!
For more on Maryland basketball, visit Maryland’s official athletics site.
