Julian Reese nearly averaged a double-double during the 2023-24 season. The Baltimore native scored 13.7 points and collected 9.5 rebounds per game on the road to an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention selection.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, Reese’s expectations were even higher than last year. With Jahmir Young and Donta Scott graduated, Reese is the only returning player from last year’s squad who averaged double figures.

But through the first two games this season, Reese recorded just a combined 18 points and 15 rebounds. Just 5-for-8 from the field, the senior headed into Monday’s matchup with Florida A&M fifth on the team in shots made and sixth in attempts.

Reese finally got back to his usual self during Maryland’s 84-53 blowout over the Rattlers on Monday. He finished with 21 points and nine rebounds, leading all players in both categories. His 21 points were more than his combined point total from the first two games.

“I felt like tonight was just my night,” Reese said.

In the first half alone, Reese nearly finished with a double-double — scoring 12 points and collecting seven rebounds. His eight shots tied his total from the first two games.

Despite the slow start to the season, coach Kevin Willard said he wasn’t worried about Reese’s slow start. Willard emphasized that it will take a little time before Reese and all of the new players are fully comfortable playing together. 

“When you put this many new guys out there with [Reese], there is a learning curve to understanding where he likes the ball, when to get the ball,” Willard said.

Another positive for Reese was his performance at the free throw line. 

Reese has shot under 60% from the foul line the last two seasons. While it’s still early, Reese has looked much improved the first three games — shooting just under 70%, including a perfect 5-for-5 on Monday.

“For me it was just 70% a mind thing … a mental thing,” Reese said. “I felt like once I got over that hump it was just reps from that point.”

Reese’s 20-point performance was the third of the season for a Terp — each coming from a different player.

Derik Queen broke numerous school records in the season opener during his 22 point, 20 rebound performance. 

Rodney Rice followed that up by scoring 28 points against Mount St. Mary’s. 26 of those came in the first half alone.

“We’ve got so many good guys, so many good scorers,” Reese said. “Every night is going to be somebody else’s night.”

Maryland (3-0) will host No. 15 Marquette (3-0) for its first real test of the season Friday at the Xfinity Center. Ben Strober and Jack Susanin will be on the call for WMUCSports at 7:00 p.m.