Tuesday, November 18th, 8:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Comcast Center (17,950) -- College Park, Maryland. Television: None. Home Record: YSU 0-1, Maryland 1-0. Away Record: YSU 0-0, Maryland 0-0. Neutral Record: YSU 0-0, Maryland 0-0. Conference Record: YSU 0-0, Maryland 0-0. Series Record: First-ever meeting.

GAME NOTES: The Maryland Terrapins are set to play the second of three straight home games tonight, as they entertain the Youngstown State Penguins in non-conference play at the Comcast Center. The Terps enter the game on a high note, as they opened their 2008-09 campaign with a convincing 81-52 victory over Bucknell on Friday. With the win, Maryland improved to 54-4 in non-conference games since moving into the Comcast Center. The Terps, who have won at least 19 games in 12 straight seasons, return three starters from last year's club that finished 19-15 overall. As for YSU, it came up short in its season-opening appearance, falling at home to Buffalo 70-62 on Saturday. With the loss, the squad dipped to 36-42 all-time in lid lifters. The Penguins lost their top two scorers from a 9-21 team last season, but they do return three starters. Tonight's game marks the first-ever meeting between YSU and Maryland on the hardwood.

The Penguins definitely appeared rusty in their season opener, as they made just 35.4 percent of their attempts from the floor in a loss to Buffalo. YSU didn't have much success from long distance (2-of-18) either and was dominated on the boards, 51-39. Sirlester Martin, a juco transfer, guided the team in defeat with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Kelvin Bright, another juco transfer, added 11 points, while Jack Liles and Vytas Sulskis each had 10 points. Liles and Sulskis are the team's top two returning starters, having combined for 18.7 ppg and 8.8 rpg last season.

The Terps turned in a solid effort on defense in their opening win, as they forced 20 turnovers while holding Bucknell to a dismal 31.7 percent shooting effort from the field. Maryland itself, went 42.9 percent from the floor and had just 11 miscues. Landon Milbourne, who averaged 8.2 ppg as a starter last season, led the charge with 16 points. Cliff Tucker, an up and coming sophomore, added 14 points and five boards, while Greivis Vasquez chipped in with 13. Vasquez, who is a tremendous talent that averaged 17.0 ppg and 6.8 apg a season, also dished out six assists in the victory.

Maryland is clearly the choice here, as it possesses the far better talent and it should have no trouble cruising past a YSU team that couldn't even win its home opener.

Predicted Outcome

Maryland 79, Youngstown State 62