In the state capital of Florida, the University of Maryland improved to 15-6 overall, and 5-2 in the ACC, as the Terps won their second-game against the Seminoles of Florida State.
While Maryland was just 26 of 61 (43%) from the floor, the win served as a testament to the adage that defense, and effort travels anywhere.
The Good:
1) Maryland limited FSU to 38% from the floor, and the Terps had 6 steals, 6 blocks, and forced 14 turnovers. On a night when the Terps had trouble scoring, they were able to rely on their defense to help win them the game.
2) I can not say enough about Jordan Williams. 7 for 11 from the floor, for 14 points, 6 boards, and 2 blocks. He is a perfect option of Gary Williams’ flex offense, as he eats space, moves without the ball, catches in traffic, and knows how to finish. Also, whenever he does miss, he typically shows tremendous second-effort in getting the ball back, and going-up strong. Frankly I am surprised he only finished with 6 boards, as he seemed to rip the ball out of the sky with regularity tonight.
3) Maryland fans get the rap of being classless, but it was Seminole fans who had signs suggesting Vasquez should be deported. Vasquez got the last-laugh, as he finished with 23 points, 7 boards, 7 assists, and got his second win over FSU this season.
4) Tonight was a night where Milbourne’s speed was too much for the opposing PF to deal with. FSU had match-up problems with Milbourne the entire night, and Landon finished with 18 points, 6 boards, 3 steals, and 3 blocks (including 1 on Alabi). The Terps are a different team when Milbourne scores.
5) Hayes missed his first three 3-pointers, but came-back to hit 2 of his next 3. What I liked is that after he missed those opening 3’s, he made a point of taking a short-jumper from the foul-line. 12 points, and 5 boards for Hayes tonight.
6) Gregory did not have a great night, but you have to credit him for the defensive plays he made taking charges, and for hitting two clutch foul-shots late.
7) Gary Williams made the absolute right call by fouling FSU with a 3 point-lead in the closing seconds.
8) I will get to Mosley’s offense below, but credit him for 4 points, 3 assists, 2 steals, and a block. Even when the ball is not in his hands, he still plays every possession.
9) It is never easy to win on the road, and the Terps obtained a victory against a quality opponent.
9a) After 26 turnovers against Clemson, just 11 tonight against FSU.
9b) Maryland hit 16 of their 20 foul-shots, which is an impressive showing on the road.
The Bad:
1) It is mind-boggling to me that Mosley can finish a game with 4 shots. You are 20 games into the season, and he is shooting about 57%. His teammates have to look for him, and he has to be less passive and look for his shot.
2) Padgett played 1 minute, during which he grabbed a board, and hit one foul-shot. Gregory played 13 minutes, and had 2 rebounds. Maybe Padgett would not have picked-up the charges that Gregory did, but I think he can help with rebounding. In Padgett’s 11.9 minutes a game, he averages 3.6 boards, while Gregory averages 3.8 boards in 20.8 minutes. That said, it is fair to point out that Padgett’s minutes were typically against the little sisters of the poor, and Gregory’s minutes have come in large part against the ACC.
3) 21 combined minutes for Tucker, and Bowie tonight, and they finished with 0 points, and 3 rebounds. When they do not provide production off the bench, Maryland is really forced to scrape, and claw to win. FSU’s Singleton made a tremendous block on Bowie, but Bowie needed to go stronger at the rim. He expected the layup/slam to be uncontested, and he went in a bit slow.
4) Vasquez redeemed himself by making 4 critical foul-shots in the last minute, but I hated his 3 point attempt with 47 seconds left on the clock. There was about 15 seconds on the shot-clock when he hoisted that attempt, and those seconds should have been milked with the 2 point lead.
The Ugly:
None.
Up-Next:
Maryland is scheduled to host defending National Champion North Carolina this Sunday at Comcast. You have to wonder if the weather is going to result in that game being canceled. As the Tar Heels were in Virginia Tech tonight (a 74-70 loss to fall to 13-9 overall, and 2-5 in the ACC) maybe UNC will just head-up to College Park tonight.
If the game is played, will anyone but students be able to attend? What type of atmosphere will there be at Comcast? If the Tar Heels do not head back to Chapel Hill, and spend the next couple of days in a hotel preparing for Maryland, maybe that helps their focus?
It is an important game for the Terps. At this point, Maryland has to look at their schedule and say this is a game we need to win at-home.
If the game is played, I personally expect to see a lot of pride out of UNC Sunday. The Terps have had success against UNC in recent seasons, because the style of play Roy Williams likes (constantly pushing the ball) allows for the Terps to play the transition game they thrive in.
Larry Drew is taking a lot of abuse for a guy averaging 9 points, 44% from 3 point land, and 6.2 assists per game. That said, he does not possess the quickness of Raymond Felton, or Ty Lawson, and I think is being hurt by the constant up-tempo offense of Roy Williams.
One match-up I will really enjoy watching is Jordan Williams vs. Ed Davis in the post.
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.