Virginia and Maryland Revive Historic Basketball Rivalry in New Series
The Renewal of a Storied Rivalry
In a much-anticipated announcement, Virginia Cavaliers and Maryland Terrapins are set to renew their historic basketball rivalry with a game slated for December 20th at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville. The encounter marks the beginning of a four-game series over the next four years. As stated in Sports Illustrated, this matchup rekindles memories of the annual battles the two teams had up until 2014.
A Series Built on History
The original announcement of the series was made in September 2024, highlighting the exchange of hosting duties between the two teams. Virginia will host in the 2025-26 and 2027-28 seasons, while the Terrapins will welcome the Cavaliers to College Park in the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons. Notably, both teams have undergone significant changes since this announcement, with new coaches leading each team into this anticipated series.
Memorable Past Encounters
The rivalry has historically been dominated by Maryland, with a 107-76 lead in the series that dates back to 1913. However, Virginia has recently had the upper hand, boasting victories in eight of their last nine meetings. Their last encounter in 2018 saw Virginia triumph over Maryland with a score of 76-71, thanks to stellar performances by Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome.
New Faces, New Challenges
The December game will feature new faces for both teams. Virginia’s new recruits include German big-man Johann Grünloh and San Francisco transfer Malik Thomas, among others. Meanwhile, Maryland’s roster has been reshaped with additions from Texas A&M, signaling a new era under coach Buzz Williams. This game will serve as an early measure of the teams’ strengths before they delve into their respective conference plays.
Expectation and Excitement
There is palpable excitement about rekindling this regional rivalry, with fans eagerly waiting to see how the series unfolds. The game on December 20th is set to be a litmus test for both teams as they gear up for the challenges of the season. According to insiders, this return is not just about basketball; it’s a throwback to the nostalgia of spirited contests that fans cherish.
Let the games begin!
