Today in Stillwater, the University of Maryland Terrapins further improved their non-conference resume with a 73-64 win over the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
With the win, MD is now 11-1 on the season. There is one out-of-conference game (vs. Oakland on the 27th) prior to the Terps beginning their first foray through the Big Ten.
Combined with the previous neutral court wins against Arizona State (Pac 12) and Iowa State (Big 12); Maryland is in excellent position to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010. Based on what we’ve seen to this point, the discussion should turn from what is necessary for the Terps to dance – to thoughts about seeding, and dreams of winning a Big Ten title.
(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)
Washington Times
Quick Hits on the game today:
1) Jake Layman finished with 21 points, and 11 boards. He was a very efficient 7 of 12 from the floor, including 3 of 5 from 3. He also added 3 steals. He has reached another gear as a player, not just showing flashes of his ability – but providing consistently positive results.
2) Earning the start today, Jared Nickens contributed with 11 points. The first half ended with Oklahoma State closing a 10 point deficit to 5. Maryland came out in the second half and reclaimed momentum with Nickens hitting three quick buckets. He’s an offensive force.
3) Evan Smotrycz hit a couple of important baskets today. Also operated a nice 2 man game with Layman. The Senior Forward finished with 8 points and 4 boards.
4) MD had superior size across the board vs. the Cowboys today, and it made a difference on the glass. The Terps won on the boards 38-32.
5) As the Cowboys were trying to mount a late rally, they were forced to foul and send Melo Trimble to the line. He hit all 7 of his foul shots, ending any chance of the Terps giving up their lead. It wasn’t a great statistical game for Trimble. 4 of 10 from the floor (0 of 3 from three), 4 turnovers – but it is what he does outside of the stat line which matters. Every analyst which sees him talks about the pace he plays with. He picks and chooses his spots. He understands the moments which matter. He creates opportunities for his teammates (even if he currently is not racking up huge assist numbers).
6) Damonte Dodd only had 1 board, and 1 block today – but he had two baskets which showcased his athleticism. Drives facing the basket, both resulting in big slams. One from the key, one from the FT line. Going into the season, it was a real concern about what the Terps would get from their interior players. Over these first 11 games, Dodd has given MD what they need. The Terps could not defend the rim last year. He forces adjusted shots. He can get off the floor quickly. The offense is limited to put-backs and dunks; but MD doesn’t need him to score to be successful. MD has to very pleased by his development.
7) Michael Cekovsky played just 5 minutes vs. the Cowboys and did not score. He did not score vs. SC Upstate. It should be a priority to get his confidence up against Oakland. Get him going again prior to facing Michigan State.
8) Richaud Pack was just 1 of 5 from the floor (0 of 3 from 3), but he did have 10 boards, and 3 assists. This was Pack’s 5th game with at-least 6 boards.
9) The Terps were 10 of 26 from 3, and 15 of 18 at the foul line.
Current Thoughts on the Big Ten:
Before the season, a poll of 27 reporters who cover the conference had Maryland picked to finish 10th in league play.
Currently MD is 17th in the country, and will be getting back their leading scorer in the next week.
In the KenPom ratings, MD trails Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Michigan State.
RealTimeRPI shows the Big Ten to be the 4th highest rated league, with 9 teams in the RPI Top 100. (Rankings not showing most recent results of this weekend.)
Overall, Michigan and Nebraska have disappointed. Penn State is sporting a nice record, but has just 1 Top 100 RPI win.
Illinois looks solid. Minnesota has played a thin schedule. Same with Indiana. Iowa won at North Carolina, but were blasted by Iowa State.
If you are looking at the top of the league, focus can remain with the Badgers, Buckeyes, and Spartans. As league play begins, Wisconsin has to be the favorite. Their only loss being against Duke in the ACC / Big Ten Challenge. Yesterday, Ohio State loss for the second time this year – this time against UNC. Maryland fans are still smarting from the beating the Buckeyes delivered the Terps last year. I’m still irritated that MD doesn’t get Ohio State at home this year, after traveling to Columbus for the challenge last year. Michigan State suffered a 4th lost yesterday; and unlike the losses to Duke, Kansas, or Notre Dame – this loss to Texas Southern raises some eyebrows. History says that Coach Izzo will get the Spartans turned around sooner than later though. His teams are always good rebounding teams, that are willing to play defense. As a MD fan, my only takeaway from the loss to Texas Southern is that MD can get a win in East Lansing if they play well. As a whole, you have to expect a fight and believe the Spartans will show a higher degree of focus vs. the Terps.
Overall, as Big Ten play begins, the excitement is that MD is in position to solely worry about controlling what they can control – their own performance. If Maryland wins the games they should win the remainder of this year, they will get to the tournament. Based on what we’ve observed to date; there appears to be enough ceiling for dancing to be a minimum aspiration for this roster.
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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.