Maryland basketball continues impressive preseason with comeback win over West Virginia: Three takeaways

Maryland Men’s basketball erased a 15-point halftime deficit, forced overtime and beat West Virginia 90-81 in an exhibition Sunday at the XFINITY Center.

The Terps’ second exhibition was a different test than their opening 85-70 victory over Georgia Tech. West Virginia caught fire from three-point range early and controlled the first half, but Maryland got past them thanks to Pharrel Payne And Andrew Mills combining for 53 points.

The result won’t count toward Maryland’s record, but it was another encouraging performance for a team that should turn things around this season. Buzz Williams’ team had to absorb an early barrage, climb out of a significant hole and finish a competitive game. Here are three takeaways from this victory.

Mills and Payne give Maryland a clear offensive core

If the exhibitions are any indication of where Maryland’s offense is headed, expect a heavy dose of Mills and Payne.

Mills led all scorers with 27 points and made four of his seven three-point attempts. After finishing last season as Maryland’s lone bright spot, the sophomore appears ready to continue that momentum.

Payne, who led the Terps in the opener against Georgia Tech with 16 points and nine rebounds, had 26 and 13 on Sunday. He even made a three-pointer, which won’t count because it was an exhibition, but it was the first of his college career. He had attempted one in his previous four seasons.

For a team trying to bounce back from last season’s struggles, two players capable of carrying that kind of scoring load are a solid starting point. Sunday was another reminder of how different Maryland can be with a healthy Payne alongside an ascendant Mills.

Kaden House looks ready to make an immediate impact

Baba Oladotun came in with the biggest bill in Maryland’s freshman class. However, thanks to early exposure action, Kaden House looks like he could immediately be his most influential player.

House started Sunday and finished with 10 points, two assists and a steal in 27 minutes. The numbers were helpful, but his maturity and defensive energy aren’t that of a typical freshman.

House scored 14 points in his unofficial college debut against Georgia Tech. He looks polished for a freshman, and his willingness to compete defensively will make him difficult to guard off the field. On a roster with multiple players competing for perimeter minutes, this can be an important divider.

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Oladotun, meanwhile, remained scoreless in 10 minutes. Expectations surrounding his arrival were high and Maryland fans may need to be patient as the 17-year-old develops.

House is now further along in his willingness to contribute. Sunday suggested he could be more than a freshman who provides occasional energy off the bench. He has a chance to play an important role from the start.

Tomislav Buljan’s value goes beyond his scoring

Forward Tomislav Buljan’s shooting line wasn’t pretty. His overall contribution was much more encouraging. The Croatian forward went 0 of 6 from the field and finished with two points, but he also grabbed seven rebounds, including four on the offensive glass, and added four assists and four steals.

That’s a lot of involvement for a player whose shot wasn’t falling. Buljan brings a European-style game built around vision and feel, and those qualities give Maryland an intriguing complement to Payne. A frontcourt partner who can read the court and help create opportunities provides another way to keep the offense moving around its interior focal point.

His offensive rebounds created additional chances, while his four steals showed another way he could affect the game without scoring. Maryland will want more finishing from him, but Sunday demonstrated why his value can’t be measured by his point total alone.

His return to the lineup after missing the opener was a welcome addition. As Buljan becomes more comfortable alongside Payne and the rest of the rotation, his ability to contribute in multiple areas could become an important part of Maryland’s frontcourt.

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