After a 2-0 week, the Maryland men’s basketball team (5-0) climbs to No. 5 in this week’s AP Top 25 rankings, released Nov. 25.

The top four in the poll remain unchanged from last week, with Duke (6-0) holding the top spot, followed by Louisville (6-0), Michigan State (3-1) and Kansas (3-1).

In two home games, the Terps defeated Fairfield, 74-55, Nov. 19 and topped George Mason, 86-63, Nov. 22. All five of Maryland’s wins this season have been by at least 18 points, with an average margin of 22.8.

Against Fairfield, sophomore Jalen Smith led the way for Maryland with 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Three other Terps scored in double figures, with sophomores Eric Ayala and Ricky Lindo Jr. adding 13 apiece and senior Anthony Cowan scoring 12.

Cowan led the Terps against George Mason with 16 points, while sophomore Aaron Wiggins added 15. Jalen Smith posted another double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds despite shooting just 3-of-5 from the floor.

Up next, Maryland opens play in the Orlando Invitational with an 11 a.m. matchup against Temple Nov. 28. Texas A&M and Harvard round out the Terps’ side of the bracket, with USC, Fairfield, Davidson and Marquette in the tournament as well.

Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox

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