FAU (5-6, 1-1) @ Maryland (7-3, 0-0)

When: Sunday, Dec. 27th 2:00 PM EST

Where: College Park, Md - Comcast Center

Live Video: Maryland Pay Per View

ESPN 760 Internet Broadcast: Here

Live Stats: Here

Maryland Team Site: Here

Probable Starters:

FAU

G Ray Taylor 17.6 ppg
G Greg Gantt 13.5 ppg
F Sanchez Hughley 8.5 ppg
F Brett Royster 9.4 ppg
C Justin Davis 0.7 ppg

Maryland

G Eric Hayes 12.9 ppg
G Sean Mosley 14.3 ppg
G Greivis Vasquez 14.9 ppg
F Landon Milbourne 13.2 ppg
F Dino Gregory 4.0 ppg

The Series

Sunday's contest will mark the first meeting between the programs.

FAU at a Glance

Despite leading at half-time, Florida Atlantic was downed at Georgia 77-60 last Wednesday night.

Trey Thompkins scored a season high 35 points against the Owls.

"You tell the guys to learn from nights like this.  Go back and study the film and see what they did wrong.  I'm glad that we've got a lot of bodies, but our bodies have to play better defense", said Mike Jarvis.

Facing Maryland, the Owls wrap up a five-game road trip, and their third straight game against an ACC or SEC opponent (Miami, Georgia). FAU is 1-3 on the swing so far.

Head Coach Mike Jarvis returns to the Washington, D.C. area for the second time this season. FAU defeated American 81-69 back on November 21.

Maryland at a Glance

Maryland knocked off Winston-Salem State University in blow-out fashion last Tuesday 98-55 in an impressive 56.9% shooting performance where they were 12 of 18 from downtown and built a 12-point halftime advantage into a 43-point victory over the Rams.

The Terrapins are a fairly well rounded club, but lean towards guard play for offensive productivity. Greivis Vasquez leads Maryland in points per game, but has hoisted up more attempts (123) than his companions in Eric Hayes, and Sean Mosley (173 combined). He is not as productive as either connecting on just 37.4%, compared to a 56% clip from them collectively.

However, Vasquez did post his first double-double of the season with 27 points and 11 assists against Winston-Salem. His 27 point performance is the most by a Terrapin this year.

The threats down low come from Landon Milbourne and Jordan Williams, both of which are very capable of contributing in the front-court.

Maryland is 5-0 at home on the season.

Latest Line:

Maryland -22

Owl's Nest Prediction

Well, for once, rebounding may be a factor in favor of the Owls - if they can muscle down on the defensive end.  FAU shows a stat sheet advantage going into Sunday's meeting  of +.9 in rebounds. It's not much, but still something to consider.

The Terrapins work in the post has come by way of set plays, and not offensive put backs. The Owls have been downed on more than one occasion this season due to lopsided results in this category.

But, more important, will be on the ball defense in the front court - something FAU struggled with against its other ACC opponent in that of Miami. Like Miami, the Terrapins have multiple scorers on the wings.

Maryland is a second half team - having posted an average 10 points per game more in the second frame than the first. The Owls have to stay out of foul trouble to avoid compounding upon this trend.

This is the end of the money games for this season.  But it will not be a pay day for the Owl's win column.  Terrapins roll easily.

Maryland -17