Terps beat BC; The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

The University of Maryland beat Boston College yesterday, winning their first ACC road game of the year; as they improved to 11-5 overall, and 2-1 in-conference.

The 73-57 victory was not a thing of beauty, but a 16 point win on the road in this conference is always a quality outing.

The Good:

1) Bowie and Tucker combined for 39 minutes, 29 points, 4 three-pointers, and 2 steals. As I have said all season, it is imperative that these two provide regular production off the bench. When they produce (and it does not have to just be through scoring), this Maryland team is difficult to beat.

2) Vasquez celebrated his birthday, with 17 points, 9 assists, 4 boards, and 2 steals. Jeff Barker of The Baltimore Sun posed a question asking why Vasquez was such a lighting-rod within his own fan-base. I have often had the same thought. Why is it so hard to like a player that always plays hard, and does everything he can to help his team win?

Vasquez is averaging 18.4 points per game, 6.3 assists (3.3 turnover), 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. He shoots 42.7% from the floor, 80% from the foul-line, and 36% from 3.

Some people do not like that he is demonstrative. Okay, I guess that is a legitimate critique, but I do not see the harm in him showing his emotions. It is not as if he allows that emotion to boil over into technical fouls. Clearly he plays better when he shows emotion, as to opposed to when he is trying to contain himself.

Some people do not like him, because they feel he receives too much publicity. That him being the best player on a decent team, is not reason to celebrate him. I think that is poor rationale. He is going to lead his team to the tournament for the 3rd time in his career. He continues to move-up the all-time lists at Maryland, because he does a bit of everything. He is 2x 2nd-team All-ACC player, so plenty of others believe he can play as well.

As an addition to the above thought about some people believing he is overrated, he faces criticism from people saying he is not an NBA caliber player.

I personally have questions about him at the next-level. I think his shot would have to improve, and his foot-speed is always going to be a limitation. You also have to think that his ability to get to the rim will be limited as a pro. Still, he has size he can use to post-up, passing abilities, an effort. He will have the opportunity to earn an NBA position, and even if that does not work out for him – he will earn a very nice living in Europe.

So what though? What does his potential pro-limitations have to do about liking him now? He is a tremendous college player, that goes out of his way to phrase Gary Williams, Maryland fans, and show his appreciation for what he has. He should be celebrated by all Terrapin fans.

3) 12 Steals, and 7 Blocks for the Terps. They were very disruptive to what Boston College was attempting to do on offense. Maryland also had just 9 turnovers, with 17 assists of their own. That was good team basketball.

4) Milbourne was an efficient 5 for 8 from the floor for 13 points. Also added 6 boards, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. He had been averaging 30 minutes a game, and played 40 minutes against Wake. I do no think it is coincidence that he looked very strong over the course of 27 minutes yesterday.

5) The Terps were 28 of 57 from the floor (49%) which is a testament to their willingness to go inside and get good looks. Maryland can win a lot of games if the guards and wings continue to score in the paint.

6) After seeing their 18 point lead fall to 10 at the half-time buzzer, Maryland came-out strong to start the 2nd-half. The Terps again took control of the game, and ending any thought of Boston College making it a game.

The Bad:

1) Again, I sound like a broken record. Another game where Mosley shows an ability to contribute with limited scoring. Mosley had 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block. However, this was his 4th consecutive game of 8 points or less. He is getting his points on put-backs, and with his intermediate game. Someone needs to explain to me why the guy shooting 58% from the floor is not getting more shots. The best team Maryland has played this year is Villanova. In that game, Mosley lit the Wildcats up for 26 points on 11 for 14 shooting. He has the capability of being another reliable scorer for this team, and there should be a concerted effort to give him the ball.

2) Gregory and Padgett came off the bench for a combined 31 minutes, and had 1 point, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. When they get on the court, they do not have to score, but they have to provide rebounding, and a defensive presence.

2a) Jordan Williams did provide some defense yesterday, just by getting back, and establishing position. While I was happy to see his 6 rebounds in his 22 minutes, I was disappointed that he received just 3 shot-attempts. He is making 47% of his FG attempts. Whenever the defense is not forcing turnovers, and allowing the offense to score in transition; the Terps need to look to Williams in the post. Showing this weapon in the post, will help open things up for the guards and wings.

The Ugly:

1) None.

Up-Next:

On Tuesday, Maryland will get the opportunity to beat-up on Longwood. It will be more interesting to see what the focus is for Gary Williams. To see what it is he attempts to get out of that game.

On Saturday, the Terps will host NCST who is currently 1-3 in the conference, and hosts Duke on Wednesday. The Wolfpack do not figure to be a total pushover. In their 3 losses to Arizona, Florida, and Clemson; NCST lost by a total of 6 points. Still, at-home, this should be a game that Maryland expects to win.