Maryland downs No. 20 Florida with clutch and-1 from Fatts Russell

It has turned into an unexpectedly tumultuous season for Maryland basketball, but the Terrapins pulled of an early-season upset Sunday afternoon.

Facing No. 20 Florida in the Basketball HOF Invitational, Maryland never backed down and fought hard all game long. Four starters for the Terps scored in double figures, including Eric Ayala and Fatts Russell leading the way with 19 apiece.

It was Russell who provided the clutch basket late, scoring an and-1 layup with 58 seconds remaining. That gave Maryland a 68-66 lead:

Another great one at the Barclays Center.

Fatts Russell & @TerrapinHoops just took the late lead over No. 20 Florida. 💪 pic.twitter.com/jgTFv2TEfS

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 13, 2021

After Florida answered, Donta Scott would score a layup to make it 70-68. Maryland would stand tall and get the defensive stop needed to hang on:

Terps down No. 20. 🐢@TerrapinHoops holds on to beat Florida at the Barclays Center. pic.twitter.com/L1CDjZapgd

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 13, 2021

Though Scott provided the game-winner, the driving force for Maryland was the combination of Russell and Ayala in the backcourt. The duo combined for 38 points while shooting 6-for-8 from 3-point range. As a team, the Terps shot 8-for-13 from deep.

After a string of 3 straight defeats – including a loss to Northwestern at home – the win over the Gators is a big boost for Maryland under interim coach Danny Manning.