Terps crush Michigan State

For the second time in a month, the University of Maryland earned a win over perennial Big Ten power Michigan State. Today’s 75-59 win coming at home in College Park.

With the victory, MD improves to 17-2 overall, 5-1 in Conference play.

(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

Quick Hits:

1) Melo Trimble was on fire during the first half, helping MD obtain a 40-26 at the break with 21 points. He was 7 of 11 from the floor, including 5 of 7 from 3 during those first 20 minutes. He had been struggling shooting since Big Ten play began, was great to see him explode like that. Just one basket for Trimble in the 2nd half, but the first half explosion proved to be enough. He finished with 24 points and 3 assists.

2) While overshadowed a bit by Trimble’s hot half, Jake Layman also got off to a great start. He went to the half with 13 points (4 of 5 from the floor, 4 of 4 from the line), and 6 boards. Layman had 23 points, and 12 boards. He was 5 of 9 from the floor, and 11 of 12 at the foul line.

3) In East Lansing, Maryland dominated the rebounding battle vs. Michigan State. Today the teams tied on the glass at 34 each.

4) It was a quiet first 20 minutes for Wells, as he went to half-time 0-1 from the floor. On the other-hand, he did have 4 assists. With Trimble, and Layman off to hot starts – probably the right decision by Wells to not force his offense.  Wells finished with 9 points, 5 assists, and 3 boards. He was 2 of 7 shooting.

5) Maryland was 6 of 11 from 3 in the 1st half, for the game they finished 11 of 22.

6) The Terps were able to limit the turnovers today. 5 for the 1st half, and just 8 for the game.

7) Graham, Dodd, Cekovsky, and Smotrycz combined for 9 points, 10 boards, and 4 blocks.

8) Continuing to start, Nickens had 8 points. 3 of 6 overall, 2 of 5 from 3.

9) The Terps were outstanding at the foul line, making 20 of their 22 attempts.

10) Michigan State shot 46% overall for the game, but was just 3 of 16 from 3. The Spartans also struggled at the foul line, making 4 of their 13 attempts.

11) This might not be a vintage Michigan State team, but they retain plenty of pedigree as a program. In this prolonged introduction to the Big Ten conference, getting these road-and-home victories over the Spartans has been huge.

12) Another thing to like about today, was that this was a rematch game vs. a great Coach. Izzo is as accomplished as any Head Coach in the game. He had recently faced MD, and figured to have adjustments ready to go today. Any adjustments he made, obviously were not enough.

13) Up-next for Maryland is a trip to Assembly Hall to face Indiana Thursday night. The Terps made this trip in 2009 in the ACC / Big Ten challenge, with MD leaving Indiana with a win. Of course these programs faced off for the 2001-02 National Championship. Indiana is currently 13-4 overall, and 3-1 in Big Ten play prior to their game at Illinois tomorrow.