Maryland Men’s Basketball Holds Off UMBC 82-81 in Nail-Biting Preseason Exhibition

Terrapins Survive Scare in College Park to Open 2025-26 Campaign

The University of Maryland men’s basketball team secured a narrow 82-81 victory over the UMBC Retrievers on Monday, October 27, 2025, in a competitive preseason exhibition held at College Park. The tightly contested matchup served as the first opportunity for Head Coach Kevin Willard’s squad to test new rotations and evaluate player development ahead of the official 2025-26 season tip-off.

While the Terrapins ultimately prevailed, the one-point margin against their local rival highlighted areas of both promise and concern, typical of early-season tune-ups where depth is prioritized over flawless execution.

Game Breakdown: A Defensive Test

The exhibition, which does not count toward the official season record, quickly evolved into a high-intensity affair, contrary to the typical low-stakes nature of preseason games. UMBC, known for its tenacious play, pushed the Terps throughout the 40 minutes, capitalizing on early-season rust and defensive miscommunications from Maryland.

Maryland’s offense showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in transition and with strong paint presence. However, the team struggled with consistency, allowing the Retrievers to stay within striking distance through efficient perimeter shooting and aggressive rebounding.

Key aspects of the Terrapins’ performance included:

• Clutch Finish: The Terps relied on late-game execution and crucial free throws in the final minute to maintain their slim advantage, demonstrating the ability to close out a tight contest under pressure.
• Depth Evaluation: Coach Willard utilized a deep bench rotation, giving significant minutes to several newcomers and developing players, which contributed to the fluctuating scoreline but provided valuable experience.
• Turnover Woes: Like many teams early in the year, Maryland struggled with ball security, leading to fast-break opportunities for UMBC that kept the game competitive until the final buzzer.

Implications for the Regular Season

While the victory is encouraging, the close score against a non-Power Five opponent provides the coaching staff with immediate, actionable feedback. The primary takeaway from the exhibition is the need to solidify defensive communication and rotation discipline before facing tougher competition.

What Looked Promising:

• Offensive Pace: The Terps demonstrated a willingness to push the tempo and generate scoring opportunities in transition, suggesting a potentially high-octane offense this season.
• Individual Talent: Several veteran players showcased improved individual skills and leadership, particularly in high-pressure situations.

Areas Requiring Immediate Focus:

1. Perimeter Defense: Allowing UMBC to remain competitive suggests vulnerabilities in guarding the three-point line and closing out shooters effectively.
2. Rebounding Consistency: Maintaining dominance on the glass, especially on the offensive end, will be critical against larger conference opponents.
3. Bench Integration: Integrating new players into the system requires tightening up the defensive schemes to ensure seamless transitions between lineups.

Looking Ahead: The Official Tip-Off

The exhibition served its purpose as a final dress rehearsal. The Terrapins will now shift their focus entirely to the official start of the 2025-26 regular season.

Maryland’s first official game is scheduled for Monday, November 3, 2025, when they host Coppin State. The game is set for a 6:30 PM tip-off and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network (BTN) and the Maryland Sports Radio Network.

Key Takeaways

For fans tracking the team’s progress, the UMBC exhibition offered these critical insights:

• Result: Maryland defeated UMBC 82-81 in a preseason exhibition game.
• Significance: The close score indicates the team is still working through defensive and rotational issues.
• Positive: The Terps showed resilience and the ability to execute in the final moments of a tight contest.
• Next Up: The official season opener is against Coppin State on November 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM.

The coaching staff will use the coming week to refine the rotation and address the defensive lapses exposed by the Retrievers, ensuring the team is prepared for the challenges of the upcoming regular season schedule.