Maryland opens Willard era with 71-49 win over Niagara

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Donta Scott scored 18 factors, Jahmir Younger added 14 and coach Kevin Willard gained in his debut at Maryland with a 71-49 victory over Niagara in a season opener on Monday evening.

Willard was named coach on March 21, 2022 after teaching Seton Corridor the earlier 12 seasons.

Scott was 7 of 13 from the ground and made 4 of 5 3-pointers. It was his ninety fifth profession sport and he’s now 56 factors shy of a profession 1,000. Younger was 5-of-10 taking pictures, grabbed seven rebounds and had 4 assists. Maryland shot 49% total and made 9 of 20 from 3-point vary.

Braxton Bayless scored 14 factors to guide Niagara. Sam Iorio added 12 factors, six rebounds and 6 assists.

A Julian Reese layup halfway via the second half sparked a 12-4 surge, and Maryland led 60-43 with 4:39 remaining. Scott made a pair of 3-pointers in the course of the stretch.

Maryland has gained 46 consecutive residence openers courting to the 1977-78 season in the course of the Lefty Driesell period. It was additionally the groups first assembly since Maryland beat Niagara 86-70 within the opening spherical of the 2013 NIT.