Unexpectedly trailing at the half, Maryland went on a huge 2nd half run (29-0) to beat Abilene Christian 67-44. The Terrapins move to 1-1 on the season, and will play Oregon State at home Sunday night.
(Discuss this game on the BSL Board here.)
What did we see?
1) This was a game where MD should have won before the tip. Instead, the Terps went to half-time down 30-29, and that was with the Terps having a 12-2 run to end the first 20 minutes. You know that MD’s PG issues are going to be an issue against like caliber teams. To see them be a factor against a team of Abilene Christian’s caliber for 20+ minutes was highly disappointing. MD went to half-time with 12 turnovers, which is just not acceptable. The Terps also disappointed with a very passive defensive effort, which allowed too many open shots.
1a) Tonight and Sunday vs. Oregon State are games to be used as preparation for the upcoming Paradise Jam. The 1st half results tonight showed that additional preparation is needed. Maryland already has 1 Out-of-Conference loss. Another loss is expected when the Terps head to Ohio State. It is pretty important that MD enter Atlantic Coast Conference play with just those 2 OOC losses. Tonight showed that MD has to be ready to play vs. everyone.
1b) In the 2nd half, Abiline Christian’s 3 pointers stopped falling, as their legs tired. MD used their size and strength advantages, and went on a huge run (29-0) to take control of the game. It took longer than it should have, but it was good to see normalcy restored.
2) As anticipated by some, Roddy Peters was inserted into the starting line-up. He quickly found Faust in transition for MD’s first basket of the night. At the 7 minute mark, Peters got to a ball in the passing lanes, but was not able to corral the steal. A minute later, a couple of Peters turnovers forced him to the bench, and Ram back into the game. Peters was tied for the team lead in 1st half turnovers with 3. Peters had MD’s first basket of the 2nd half, scoring in the lane while being fouled. Putting MD up 63-44, Peters had another good look to Faust. Driving to the rim again, Peters extended MD’s run to 29. Peters finished with 4 points, 2 assists, and those 3 turnovers. A much improved 2nd half.
3) Great to see Faust’s first basket of the night come on a lay-up as he beat his defender down the floor. He then added a short jumper. Faust pulled MD within 3, after scoring while being fouled with just over 3 minutes left in the 1st half. In the first half, Faust was 3 of 4 from the floor (7 points), with 3 boards, and 1 block. At the 11:20 mark of the 2nd half, Faust created a turnover and got to the line. Faust finished with 11 points, 4 boards, 2 assists. He was 4 of 9 from the floor, much better shot selection though vs. against UConn.
4) With Peters in the starting line-up, Wells was pushed to the 3. He did continue to handle the ball at times, and had an early sloppy turnover which led to an Abilene Christian basket. In the first 20 minutes, Wells had 1 FG attempt. Pretty hard to understand how that is possible, especially with him not starting the game at PG. Wells spent the first 90 seconds of the 2nd half on the bench. Wells 2nd FG came with just over 13 minutes left. Wells finished with just 3 FG attempts. 4 points, 4 boards, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block.
5) At the under 16 minute TV mark, Cleare had picked up two quick fouls; including one offensive. At half-time Cleare had 3 turnovers. On the Sports Tonight with Rob & Mike Show last night, Terps Basketball Radio Analyst pointed out the time Cleare missed in the off-season with his back-injury. It’s fair to factor that into the evaluation of his current game, but I’m disappointed he was not able to just physically overwhelm Abilene Christian’s front-line. He did have a nice block, leading to a Layman 3 at around the 13 minute mark of the 2nd half. He would add a 2nd block later.
6) Layman tied the game at 7 with a 3 from the wing. Attacking the basket, Layman scored inside, making it a 3 point game with 2:30 left in the half. Layman had 5 points, and 3 boards at the half. Another guy with a size advantage on his Abilene Christian defender, and needed to spend more time inside. A Layman steal early in the 2nd half led to a basket from Smotrycz. Layman pulled MD within 1 (44-43), with another 3. He would attack the baseline with a dribble drive to get MD the lead a minute later. His run continued as he went down the lane, scoring while being fouled. Two more Layman 3’s put MD up 12 (56-44), as MD extended their run to 18-0. Layman filled up the stat line with 19 points, 6 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.
7) Nice tap in from Mitchell, for his first basket. Another basket from close-in, put MD up 13-12. Mitchell had a solid first half, but missed 2 FT’s in the final 2 minutes. He did come back a minute later, using his size inside to score. I liked that he took the initiative to score inside, vs. passing to an open Layman outside. Coach Turgeon apparently loves the effort that Cleare provides in practice, but Mitchell’s performances in these first two games dictate he should be the starter. Trailing 41-34, Mitchell again lowered a shoulder to score inside. Mitchell finished with 15 points, and 11 boards.
8) Down 10 points (25-15), Smotrycz attempted to bull his way to the basket, and earned a trip to the line. Hitting his 2 foul shots, MD got to set their defense. On MD’s next time down the court, Smotrycz followed up a miss from Mitchell and scored again. Smotrycz’s first basket of the 2nd half also came inside. Smotrycz did miss his four 3 point attempts. Loved seeing Smotrycz back down his defender for a basket with 6:30 left. He would get to the foul line the next time down the court as well. 11 points, 6 boards.
9) Dodd entered the game early, and immediately had a block. Dodd finished with 3 blocks, getting some additional time at the end.
10) Ram also entered the game early. With 1:30 left in the half, Ram turned it over trying to do too much.
11) Graham also saw his first action for MD, scoring inside to pull the Terps within 5 at 20-15.
12) MD was 4 of 17 from 3. The Terps were 11 of 17 from the FT line.
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