COLLEGE PARK, MD — One of the most storied rivalries in the DMV area is set to resume as the Maryland Terrapins host the Georgetown Hoyas on Friday, November 7, at the XFINITY Center. The 6:00 PM tip-off marks the start of a new four-game series between the programs and their first matchup since November 15, 2016.
The game will be televised nationally on FS1. Fans can also listen to the broadcast on the Maryland Sports Radio Network, featuring Johnny Holliday, Chris Knoche, and Walt Williams.
Maryland (1-0) enters the contest following an 83-61 season-opening victory over Coppin State in Baltimore. In that game, Pharrel Payne led five Terps in double figures with 21 points, and the team set a program record for a season opener by hitting 10 three-pointers. The Terrapins also bring a formidable home-court advantage, boasting a 48-game winning streak in home openers—the third-longest in the nation—and a 23-game streak at home against unranked, non-conference opponents.
This year’s Terrapins squad is almost entirely new, a significant departure from the team that reached the Sweet Sixteen last season. Junior guard Lukas Sotell is the only returning player from the 2024-25 roster, with 15 newcomers, including five true freshmen, joining the program.
Despite the turnover, the team is not short on experience. The Terps utilized the transfer portal to build the nation’s 7th-ranked portal class, adding seasoned players like Pharrel Payne and Myles Rice, both consistent starters with Big Ten experience. Other key additions include Elijah Saunders, who was part of San Diego State’s 2023 national championship game run, and Solomon Washington, who helped Texas A&M reach three consecutive NCAA Tournaments.
Leading the revamped roster is new head coach Buzz Williams, who was hired on April 2, 2025. Williams arrives after a successful tenure at Texas A&M, which he guided to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. An experienced leader, Williams is one of just 12 active Division I coaches to have won an NCAA Tournament game at three different schools. He is also on track to join an elite group, including Maryland Hall of Famer Lefty Driesell, as one of only three coaches to achieve 100 career wins at four different Division I institutions.
Several individual milestones are also within reach for Maryland players this season. David Coit begins the year as the team’s active career scoring leader with 1,237 points. Meanwhile, Payne, Saunders, and Washington are on pace to play in their 100th career game, while both Payne and Rice are projected to surpass the 1,000-point mark for their careers.
Friday’s game rekindles a fan-favorite series steeped in history. Maryland leads the all-time series 38-27, which began in 1911 and was played almost annually until 1980. The rivalry reached its zenith with legendary coaches Lefty Driesell of Maryland and John Thompson of Georgetown on the sidelines. One of the most memorable recent contests was in 1993, when Joe Smith’s 26 points and Duane Simpkins’ overtime game-winner sparked a run that took the Terps to the Sweet 16 and began a streak of 11 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
To mark the occasion, the home opener against Georgetown will feature a “Gold Rush” promotion, with special t-shirts and giveaways for fans attending the highly anticipated matchup.
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