Defensive identity coming together

The sample size is growing, and it’s becoming clear what the Terps’ defensive identity is going to be under Willard this season.

Maryland plays with a defensive intensity that features mostly full-court pressure and locking down the perimeter. The Terps held Binghamton to 4-for-21 shooting from deep, continuing a stellar trend as they rank 15th in the country in opponent 3-point percentage (20%).

Willard likes to apply pressure early and often, hoping to get into opponents’ heads from the start. “I think we set the tone early in games with our defensive intensity,” he said.

Maryland’s ability to force turnovers has been their most impressive attribute so far. The Terps have forced 14.6 turnovers per game after Binghamton turned the ball over 15 times and they’ve taken advantage of those, averaging 19.3 points off turnovers.

Maryland scored eight of its first 12 points that way against the Bearcats.

“It gives everybody energy because those turnovers lead to fast break points,” senior forward Donta Scott said.