By Deja Jones

Maryland men’s basketball defeated Washington 64-60 in a nail-biting matchup in front of the Terps’ home crowd. 

Freshman Andre Mills led the Terps to victory with 21 points, four rebounds and five assists. Following Mills was senior Elijah Saunders with 12 points and five rebounds. Senior Solomon Washington secured a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. 

Coach Buzz Williams explained how rebounding was a huge factor in the win.

“Other than field goal attempts, rebounds are the second-highest volume thing in the game,” said Williams during the postgame press conference on Feb. 21. The Terps corralled 85% of defensive rebounds and 44% of offensive rebounds.

Williams praised the Terps on the execution of their change in defensive play, which forced Washington to attempt shots they typically would not take.

“I thought our guys executed when we went from man to zone, and back to a different zone that we haven’t played since December, and I thought that was a good change of pace,” Williams explained. 

Solomon Washington explained that his recent success comes from playing towards his strengths and setting up his teammates.

“I’m way more comfortable getting to the rim playing in the mid-range area, and I know when I put pressure on the rim they’re going to send more than a guy,” he said. 

“I always know what Dre is capable of, it’s just him playing within himself, playing at his pace, not playing out of control, and staying within the game,” Washington said about Mills. 

Mills and Washington were teammates at Texas A&M, and he expressed how he always worked hard in practices and that he’s always seen it in Mills.

Mills explains how he succeeds in the game, not only for himself, but also for his teammates.

“I’ve been working on my reads,” Mills said. “I know Solo [Washington] is one of the most athletic players in the league. If he gets in the paint and pump fakes a couple times they’re either going to foul him so I was looking for that pass a lot.”

Mills spoke on how the team keeps their mental stamina as a part of their “Foundational February.” In practice, they will replicate scenarios that could cause the team to get discouraged, so when it happens in the game, they are prepared to conquer it. 

The Terps’ remaining home games are on March 1 at noon against Rutgers and March 8 at 3 p.m. against No. 10 Illinois.

Featured Image: The Maryland Terrapins defeated the Washington Huskies on Feb. 21, 2026. Photo by Deja Jones.