The University of Maryland’s men’s basketball program will open its 2025‑26 non‑conference slate on December 19, when the Terps travel to CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore to face the University of South Carolina. The game represents the first meeting between the two schools in Baltimore and adds a new chapter to a series that has spanned more than a century.
The upcoming contest is the first time the two programs have played since the 2005 NIT semifinal at Madison Square Garden, a game that extended Maryland’s all‑time lead in the series to 31‑27. Historically, the Terps and Gamecocks were conference rivals in the Southern Conference and later the ACC from 1925 through 1971, producing a series of memorable contests.
A Classic Overtime Encounter
One of the most iconic meetings occurred on January 9, 1971, when Maryland’s Lefty Driesell orchestrated a six‑point surge in the final 14 seconds, capped by Jim O’Brien’s buzzer‑beating jumper in overtime to secure a 31‑30 victory over the second‑ranked Gamecocks at Cole Field House. That win marked Driesell’s first triumph over a ranked opponent and remains a touchstone for the program’s rich history.
Beyond the South Carolina showdown, Maryland’s non‑conference schedule also includes games against Georgetown, Virginia and Tennessee, while the Big Ten slate will see the Terps host traditional powers such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan State and Wisconsin at XFINITY Center. The 2026‑27 season will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Maryland’s 2002 NCAA National Championship, with Northrop Realty sponsoring special promotions, giveaways and alumni appearances throughout the year.
Season tickets are currently available through the Maryland Athletics website, and all games will be carried on the Maryland Sports Radio Network with veteran voices Johnny Holliday, Chris Knoche and Walt Williams providing the play‑by‑play commentary.