Maryland opened the Kevin Willard era in style on Monday night in XFINITY Center, cruising to a 71-49 victory over Niagara for its 46th consecutive home opener win.
The Terps used a 9-0 run in the middle of the second half to go up 48-35 and take control of the game. Donta Scott, Jahmir Young and Don Carey Jr. all hit big shots in the ensuing minutes to put the game completely out of reach, getting the home crowd loud and on its feet.
Scott, a member of the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Watch List, led the Terps with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting (4-of-5 from deep) in a team-high 35 minutes. Scott also hit two key threes in the final seven minutes to keep Maryland comfortably ahead.
"Donta's going be an 18-and-10 player," Willard said. "I think he's going to be a First-Team All-Big Ten player. 35 minutes is probably way too many minutes in his first game, but he's earned it from his career here."
Young, who played in his first Maryland game after three standout seasons at Charlotte, also came up big in all facets with 14 points to go along with a team-high four assists. Young and sophomore Julian Reese each grabbed seven boards.
Maryland was stingy on defense all night, forcing 12 turnovers and blocking eight shots. Ian Martinez led the effort with five steals in his 16 minutes off the bench.
Niagara was held to just 40 percent shooting and did not record a three-point basket all night. The Purple Eagles' 49 points were the fewest points Maryland allowed in a season opener since American only managed 56 in the 2016-17 season opener.