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Maryland forward Pharrel Payne helped off court after suffering injury vs. Michigan

Danby: Daniel Hager12/14/25DanielHagerOn3

Maryland superstar forward Pharrel Payne was helped off the floor in the first half of Saturday night’s clash against Big Ten rival No. 2 Michigan. Payne, who is averaging 18.7 points and 7.6 rebounds, was still recovering from a leg injury he suffered on Nov. 15 against Marquette.

At the time of Payne’s injury, Maryland held a 37-36 lead over the red-hot Wolverines. Without Payne on the court, the Terrapins were outscored 65-47 and suffered a 101-83 loss.

His absence (especially if it’s long-term) would be detrimental for Buzz Williams‘ team. In his first season at Maryland, he’s led the Terps to a disappointing 6-5 record through their first 11 games.

“He is the most beautiful player I’ve ever coached as a human being taller than six-five,” Williams said about Payne earlier this season. Payne is in the midst of his fourth collegiate season at his third different program. After spending his first two seasons at Minnesota, Payne transferred to Texas A&M for the 2024-25 season. Following Williams’ move to Maryland this offseason, Payne followed his head coach to College Park.

Michigan had been on a demolition path across the sport of college basketball heading into Saturday night’s game. The Wolverines’ last four games have all been decided by at least 30 points. This includes dominant ranked victories over No. 21 ranked Auburn (102-72) and No. 12 ranked Gonzaga (101-61) in the Players Era Festival, which shot them up to No. 2 in the AP Poll Rankings.

Dusty May and Michigan are seeking back-to-back Big Ten titles and their first National Championship since 1989. Payne’s absence in the second half was certainly detrimental, and the Wolverines took advantage for their 10th consecutive win to open the season.