After a tighter than desired 1st half, the University of Maryland Terrapins pulled away from the VMI Keydets in the 2nd half – ultimately winning 95-77.
With the victory, MD moves to 7-0. On Wednesday night, the Terps will host former conference foe Virginia in the ACC / Big Ten Challenge.
(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)
Washington Post
Quick Hits:
1) This was MD’s 4th game of the week. The previous 3 were pretty poor for Richaud Pack. Tonight, the Senior transfer from NC&T made a positive difference. Pack finished with 22 points (10 of 14 from the floor, 2 of 3 at the line), and had 7 rebounds, with 3 assists. This was Pack’s 3rd game of the year with at-least 7 boards. Not bad for a 6’3 guard. I liked that he was looking to run the court, and score inside. I also liked that the Senior recognized MD needed his leadership, and game experience tonight. He doesn’t have to regularly score like this, but if he gives MD quality play most nights that will make a significant impact.
2) Another player with a breakout showing tonight was Dion Wiley. Coming off a 1-5 outing vs. Monmouth, Wiley was inserted into the starting lineup. Coach Turgeon told the ESPN announcers that with Wells out, MD needs Wiley to pick up some of that scoring. The Freshman responded with 19 points (8 of 12 from the floor). He also had 6 rebounds.
3) There was a brief scare early in the 2nd half when Cekovsky left the game with an injured ankle. It was good to see him quickly return. He had 10 points (5 of 6 from the floor, with several dunks) and 6 boards.
4) Maryland had the size and athleticism advantage, and it showed on the boards (MD won 44-35 on the glass).
5) With MD dominating the scoring in the paint, it’s no surprise that the Terps made 58% (37 of 64) of the FG attempts. The Terps improved their perimeter defense in the 2nd half, and VMI finished just 12 of 42 (29%) from 3.
6) Layman was just 5 of 11 shooting, and also had 5 turnovers; but he forced his way into 11 shots at the foul line. 19 points, and 9 boards for the Jr.
7) Dodd had 4 points (2 of 2), 5 boards, and 3 blocks. Graham had 2 boards, and was 0 of 3 shooting.
8) It’s good to see Smotrycz back in the rotation, but he’s going to clearly need time to work his way back into more significant minutes.
9) The ESPN telecast relayed a point from Turgeon, that MD has not been able to practice since the news of Wells injury.
10) Nickens was quiet tonight, finishing 1 of 6 from the floor, and 0-3 from 3. He did have a few moments on his defense, where his length impacted VMI shot attempts.
11) With Turgeon being cognizant of this being MD’s 4th game of the week – minutes were found for Ram tonight. It helps that Ram plays energetic defense, and could help guard the perimeter vs. some of the smaller, quick guards of VMI.
12) Saving the best for last, let’s again talk about Trimble. The Freshman did have 6 turnovers, but I was excited to see him get that game experience against VMI’s ball pressure. He was a perfect 6 of 6 shooting, including 2 of 2 from 3. He also had 4 assists and 3 steals. His awareness is really showing through here in the early going. He knows what MD needs in particular moments, and finds ways of delivering. He also doesn’t force much. As we’ve talked about previously, we really like his ability to play at different speeds.
Virginia Cavaliers
The Cavs will arrive at the Xfinity Center also sporting a 7-0 record. Entering action today, they were ranked #8 in the Country. The CBE HOF Classic provided two neutral court wins vs. major conference foes. This game vs. UVA represents another opportunity to pad that OOC resume. Of course that task is that much more difficult without Wells. It’s a game where you will need to be helped by the emotion of a charged-up home crowd, and get contributions from Freshman too young to be intimidated.
Virginia’s games vs. LaSalle, and Rutgers gives me some confidence that a MD upset is possible here. The game will be played at a much different tempo vs. tonight.
Season results:
James Madison 79-51 (@JMU)
Norfolk State 67-39
South Carolina State 75-55
George Washington 59-42
Tennessee State 79-36
LaSalle 64-56
&
Rutgers 45-26
Team Stats:
66.9 Points Per Game (207th Nationally)
41.9 Rebounds (30th Nationally)
12.9 Assists (166th Nationally)
.460 FG% (91st Nationally)
43.6 Points Allowed (1st Nationally)
6 Blocks (25th Nationally)
6.7 Steals (162nd Nationally)
Individual Players:
Justin Anderson
6’6, 227 lbs
Jr, Guard
15 ppg, 4.3 boards, 59% from 3 (3.9 attempts per)
Anthony Gill
6’8, 230 lbs
Jr, Forward
12.6 ppg, 6.4 boards
Mike Tobey
6’11, 253 lbs
Jr, Forward / Center
7.7 ppg, 7.1 boards
Malcolm Brogdon
6’5, 217 lbs
Jr, Guard
11.4 ppg, 2.9 assists, 21% (4 of 19) from 3
Previews:
In the CBS Sports ACC Preview, UVA was projected to finish 4th.
In the NBC Sports / College Basketball Talk ACC Preview, UVA was projected to finish 3rd (with Brogdon on their 1st team All-ACC).
NBC Sports / College Basketball Talk had an extended UVA preview, found here.
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.