I know that not everyone shares my opinion, but I believe the University of Maryland Terrapins are essentially playing for seeding at this point. Seeding in both the ACC, and NCAA Tournaments.
With that in-mind, it is important for the Terps to avenge their loss at Littlejohn, and beat the Clemson Tigers tonight in College Park.
The Terps enter tonight at 19-7, 9-3 in the ACC; while Clemson is 19-7, 7-5 in league play. Maryland lost 62-53 to the Tigers on January 31st. In that game, Maryland was held scoreless the last 3 minutes, and 23 seconds – as the 4 point deficit ballooned to 9.
In my review of that last-game, I stated it was an ugly game from start to finish, pointing to the uncharacteristic 26 total Terrapin turnovers. I also said the only Maryland player that could feel good about their performance was Jordan Williams, who finished with 13 points, 13 boards, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.
Going into this game tonight, I see a lot of numbers from the past-game which have me on edge for tonight. The turnovers were the result of constant pressure – pressure Maryland will again see tonight. The Terps hit 15 of 17 free-throws, recorded 10 steals, 7 blocks, held Clemson to just 31.9% from the floor; and still lost.
From a Terps perspective, you have to imagine that Vasquez, Mosley, and Milbourne will combine for more than the 21 points they had at Clemson.
Maryland did a lot of doubling on Booker, leaving Clemson shooters open. If you assume a similar strategy tonight, you hope their shooters do not get hot with open looks. Maryland fans will remember that Booker had an extremely-strong 16 rebounds in that game, it was DeMatha grad Jerai Grant that killed the Terps with 18 points, 12 boards, and 4 blocks. The 6’8, 220 lb forward is a difficult match-up for Milbourne, and that means the Terps are going to need positive minutes from Gregory, and Padgett in reserve.
Other things to watch:
1) Bowie has hit 4 three-pointers in the last two games, can he continue to get his confidence going?
2) Tucker hit the shot of his life-time Saturday. Can he follow that-up an be a bit more consistent to end the year?
3) Vasquez, and Hayes had 14 turnovers against the pressure defense in Clemson. You have to expect your Senior leaders to adjust tonight at-home.
4) The loss at Clemson halted some momentum that was building at the start of ACC play. A loss tonight at-home would hurt much more. You want to see the Terps come out strong from the beginning, and play from ahead.
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.