Maryland

Last night, Maryland beat Wisconsin in a thrilling 55-possession game to improve to 23-5. Maryland, in its first season since running from the ACC with their tails between their legs, is a lock to make the tourney.

They're 34th in KenPom, 55th in AdjustedO and 46th in AdjustedD. They generate 25% of their scoring at the FT line. They have a FTA/FGA rate of 45.3%, 23rd in the land. On top of that, they shoot 75% from the line. That's 18th best. They shoot 37.4% from 3, 54th best in the land. They're weak on the offensive glass, only getting 28% of their misses, 276th overall.

On defense, like offense, they own the free throw line. Teams have a FTA/FGA rate of 26.7%, 9th best. They don't force many turnovers. They're 280th in defensive turnover %. Teams have an effective fg% of 46.4%. They do a decent job preventing 3's. Teams only shoot 32% from deep.

Xavier transfer Dez Wells is their most efficient player. Their best player is probably Fr. Melo Trimble. Trimble leads them in scoring and has been fantastic all year. Jake Layman gives them 13 & 6 and has an effective fg% of 55.7%. He's a very good player.

Maryland has good wins over Iowa State and Oklahoma State out of conference and lost to Virginia. They've navigated the B1G and will likely finish 2nd or 3rd. Given the nature of their ever changing roster, coach Mark Turgeon has done a great job this year.

The numbers show Maryland with a Sweet 16 ceiling. That would be a very good season for a team who has missed the tourney the last few years. I think they've earned a higher seed than how good they really are, so an upset on the opening weekend shouldn't surprise anyone either.