Following a 78-73 victory over Arizona State; the University of Maryland Terrapins have advanced to the Championship Game of the CBE Hall-of-Fame Classic tomorrow night vs. either Alabama or #13 Iowa State. 

(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

11.24.14-CBE-620x330

Quick Hits:

1) Huge game for the Freshman Melo Trimble, as he scored a game high 31 points. He was 7 of 11 from the floor, 4 of 6 from 3, and 13 of 14 from the line. The offense never felt forced. The 31 points established a new Freshman record at MD for scoring in a single game (eclipsing Joe Smith). If you wanted to criticize him at all, he had 3 turnovers against just 1 assist.

2) When a team is playing just the 4th game of their season, it is easy to dismiss the importance; but that would be a mistake here. Maryland is attempting to reach the tournament for the first time since Vasquez’s Senior year, and the first time under Coach Turgeon. A neutral court win vs. a major conference team is a feather in their cap for later. This was also a game which could have gone either way down the stretch, credit to the Terps for getting the W.

3) Arizona State was 14 of 27 from 3. To be able to overcome that, is also impressive.

4) Maryland won the battle on the on boards, 34 to 24.

5) Dodd and Cekovsky combined to go 6 of 11 from the floor, for 12 points, 8 boards, and 5 blocks. Some nice moments of aggression (and athleticism) from each.

6) Did not see Graham tonight. Not sure if the bench was tightened up against a better opponent, or there was another reason for his absence which I missed.

7) Overcoming a 1-7 start in the first half, Wells finished with 14 points (7 of 18). He added 8 boards, 4 assists, and 4 steals.

8) Layman had a nice game. Several times taking defenders off the dribble, and going across the lane. 5 of 8 from the floor, 12 points, with 4 boards.

9) Pack had 4 boards, and 3 assists; but a poor night shooting – going 0 for 6 overall, including 0 of 3 from 3.

10) Wiley had 8 points off the bench (3 of 4), while Nickens was a ghost tonight (0 for 1).

11) Helped by Trimble’s night, MD was 16 of 18 overall at the foul line.

12) Just 10 turnovers for the Terps.

13) Leaving the CBE HOF Classic with at-least 1 win needed to happen. With that first win in the bag, it’s time to be greedy tomorrow night.

If Maryland faces Alabama tomorrow:

– The Crimson Tide entered their game tonight at 3-0, with wins against Towson, Western Carolina, and Southern Miss.

– Coming into tonight, Alabama averages:
81 points per game (39th Nationally)
35.7 rebounds (188th Nationally)
13 assists (159th Nationally)
.497 fg% (44th Nationally)
65 points per game allowed (164th Nationally)
5.3 blocks (41st Nationally)
8.7 steals (59th Nationally)

– In the CBS Sports  SEC preview, Alabama was picked to finish 6th
– In the NBC Sports / College Basketball Talk SEC preview, Alabama was picked to finish 12th

Senior Guard Levi Randolph is leading Alabama in scoring, rebounding, and assists.
Junior Guard Ricky Tarrant (a Tulane transfer) is second in scoring.

If Maryland faces #13 Iowa State tomorrow:

– The Cyclones came into tonight at 2-0, with wins over Oakland, and Georgia State.

– Coming into tonight, Iowa State averages:
87 points per game (23rd Nationally)
36.5 rebounds (166th Nationally)
20.5 assists (9th Nationally)
.500 fg% (40th Nationally)
70 points per game allowed (249th Nationally)
2 blocks (296th Nationally)
5.5 steals (249th Nationally)

– In the CBS Sports Big 12 Preview, Iowa State was picked to finish 2nd
– In the NBC Sports / College Basketball Talk Big 12 Preview, Iowa State was picked to finish 3rd
– A full Iowa State preview from NBC Sports / College Basketball Talk can be found here

Junior Forward Georges Niang (6’8, 230 lbs) is averaging 20 points per game, and 10 boards.
Senior Guard Bryce Dejean-Jones is averaging 17.5 ppg, 9 boards, and 5.5 assists.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

X