Andre Mills set the tone for Maryland’s season with a commanding double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds as the Terrapins dismantled Bucknell 96-67 in Monday’s season opener. Although Bucknell held a slim 25-23 lead with seven minutes remaining in the first half, Maryland responded with a decisive 21-5 run to close the half. Mills ignited the surge with a three-pointer and finished the period with five points in the final 45 seconds, helping the Terrapins enter the locker room with a comfortable 44-30 advantage.
Terrapins leverage size advantage and late first-half surge to secure dominant season opener
The second half was defined by Maryland’s overwhelming physical dominance, particularly on the glass. The Terrapins controlled the rebounding battle 54-22, securing a staggering 28-6 advantage in offensive rebounds that allowed them to extend their lead comfortably. Bench depth proved crucial as Kaden House contributed 14 points, while starter Pharrel Payne added 13 points and six rebounds. This balanced scoring attack kept the pressure on Bucknell’s defense, preventing any meaningful comeback attempts after the halftime break.
For Bucknell, the loss was highlighted by a standout individual performance from Aleksander Pachucki, who led all scorers with 23 points and shot an efficient 7-of-11 from three-point range. Rocco Lamuno added 12 points for the Bison, but their inability to contest Maryland’s interior presence proved fatal. The 29-point margin of victory serves as a strong statement of intent for Maryland, showcasing both offensive firepower and the defensive tenacity required to compete at the highest level this season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
