No. 8 Maryland takes on No. 9 West Virginia in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. We take a look at how they compare statistically.
Maryland finished the season 21-12, while going 3-1 in Quad 1 games and 6-2 in Quad 2 games. West Virginia was 19-14 this year, going 6-13 in Quad 1 games and 6-1 in Quad 2 games.
The one common opponent for both teams was Purdue. Maryland went 1-1 against the Boilermakers, losing 58-55 on the road, and then beating them, 68-54 at home. West Virginia lost to Purdue, 80-68 in November.
Maryland ranks 31st in the NET and 22nd by KenPom. West Virginia ranks 25th in the NET, and 17th by KenPom.
Comparing Offenses
Maryland and West Virginia are similar percentage wise on offense, yet different in how they score the ball. Maryland is averaging 70.4 points per game this season, shooting 44.9% from the field, and 33% from three-point range. Maryland is making 13.8 free throws per game, and have a balanced offensive attack. Maryland scored 29.2% of their points from threes, 51.2% from twos, and 19.6% of their points come at the free throw line. These numbers rank in the middle of the pack, as their three-point rank is 235th in the country, but their percentage of twos and free throws both ranks in the top 150. The Terps rank 35th in the country in adjusted offense by KenPom.
West Virginia’s offense is a little bit better than Maryland’s statistically. WVU is averaging 76.3 points per game this season and are 15th in the country in adjusted offensive efficiency according to KenPom. The Mountaineers are shooting 45.3% from the field, and 34.8% from three. They are making 16.9 free throws per game on the year. The Mountaineers score 28.6% of their points from beyond the arc which ranked 257th of 352 teams. They score 49.2% of their points from twos, and 22.2% of their points at the free throw line. This number ranks 21st out of all collegiate teams.
Comparing Defenses
Defense is the opposite with Maryland having the upper hand on West Virginia. The Terps are allowing only 63.2 points per game, opponents are shooting 42.8% from the field, making 11 free throws per game, and are turning the ball over 11.9 times per game, leading to 13.8 Maryland points. The Terps also hold teams to shoot 32.1% from three and rank 33rd in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom.
West Virginia’s defense is allowing more points per game at 71 to their opponents. Opponents are shooting 44.8% from the field, 34.1% from three, and making 15.3 free throws per game. The Mountaineers are forcing 14.6 turnovers per game leading to 16.5 points off those turnovers per game. WVU is ranked 52nd by KenPom in adjusted defensive efficiency.
So what is the difference?
The biggest difference will be who controls the pace. Maryland is 312th in the country in adjusted tempo. West Virginia is 104th. Maryland’s defense gets help from their offense running slower tempo and that fueling them on the defensive end. The Mountaineers and Terps will both want to control who runs the game. If WVU can speed Maryland up, and force them to make more shots across more possessions — advantage West Virginia. Vice versa, slowing WVU down, making WVU have to defend for 30 seconds and then limit their touches on offense — advantage Maryland.
If WVU can get to the free throw line they will have success. The Mountaineers ranking 21st in percentage of points from free throws will not be a horrible way to win against Maryland. The Terps are 85th in the country in personal fouls per game, with 15.8 per game. Speed them up, get to the line, you win if you’re West Virginia. Slow them down, make it be a more methodical and low scoring game, you win if you’re Maryland.
Photo by Aaron Parker, Blue Gold Sports
