In Maryland’s 76-59 victory over Catholic University on Tuesday, the Terps didn’t have their usual rotation as sophomore Justin Jackson, freshman Bruno Fernando and junior Dion Wiley didn’t play.
Jackson, who’s been dealing with shoulder soreness, missed Maryland’s game against Gardner-Webb and hasn’t participated in practice. Terps’ head coach Mark Turgeon believed Jackson could’ve played against Catholic, but he wanted to make sure Jackson gets back to full strength.
“[Jackson] could’ve played tonight if we needed him, but we were trying to rest him,” Turgeon said after the game. “He hasn’t practiced for a while, can’t remember the last time he practiced. I think he played in the Ohio game and he hasn’t done anything since.”
Fernando was out with an ankle injury, but Turgeon thought he could’ve played if needed.
“Bruno probably could’ve played tonight if we needed him to,” Turgeon said. “We’re giving guys the next two days off because of finals, we’ll start practicing Friday. I expect both of those guys to practice.”
Dion has been dealing with an illness, which has kept him off the court for the past few days, according to Turgeon.
“Dion – you guys have been following us for four years, it’s always something,” Turgeon said. “It’s a cold or something – sore throat – with him. He wasn’t in the building the last two days.”
Sophomore point guard Anthony Cowan Jr. expressed how important it was to have those players in the lineup especially Fernando and Jackson, who makes Maryland a better rebounding team.
“Super important Justin and Bruno. Our rebounding goes down a little,” Cowan said. “With Dion, out we need another person to make shots and make plays so we definitely need those three back so hopefully the can get back and get back healthy.”
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