Terps move to 3-0;The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Maryland used a 9-0 start, to run away and hide from New Hampshire; ultimately winning 82-55.

With the win, the Terps will head to the Maui Invitational at 3-0.

The Good:

1) With Maui on the immediate horizon, it would not have been shocking if Maryland had not been totally focused for New Hampshire. The fact that the Terps came out and immediately took it to New Hampshire, is a real good sign for things to come.

2) The Terps had an excellent shooting night, going 30 of 53 (57%) from the floor. They also got to the line 23 times (making 17), and were a strong 5 of 11 from 3point-land. I am particularly pleased to see MD limit the amount of 3’s they attempted.

3) Last year New Hampshire held their opponents leading scorer under his scoring average 17 times. This suggests not only capable defense, but a coaching decision to overplay the opposing star. It appears that New Hampshire operated with a similar approach to Vasquez last night. Vasquez could have forced the issue, but instead operated intelligently taking only 8 shots, and finding open teammates. New Hampshire dared someone other than Vasquez to beat them, and that is exactly what happened. Through 3 games, Vasquez is averaging 7 assists to 2.7 turnovers.

4) I am also pleased by the MD defense. The Terps held New Hampshire to 35% from the field, had 11 steals, and forced 21 New Hampshire turnovers.

New Hampshire had 3 players that gained International experience this summer, and none were a factor last night. 6’8 Junior PF James Valladares averaged 17.4 points per game this summer for El Salvador in the FIFA COCABA games, but only played one minute last night. Obviously I am not implying the MD defense was a reason for that.

However, the Terps were strong against both Junior Guard Alvin Abreu, and 6’9 Junior Center Dane DiLiegro.

Abreu spent a month with the Dominican National Team, practicing daily against NBA and Euro League pros. He scored in double-figures 21 times last year. The Terps keyed on him, limiting him to 9 points, and 5 turnovers.

DiLiegro represented the US, in the Maccabiah Games in Israel, under the Coaching of Bruce Pearl from the University of Tennessee. DiLiegro averaged 8.8 points, and 5.2 rebounds over the course of 6 games, helping the US win Gold. In the season opener for New Hampshire vs. Suffolk, DiLiegro went for 14 points, and 15 boards. Against Williams, and Padgett, he was limited to 5 pts, and 4 boards.

5) Williams and Padgett combined for 14 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. They have been very solid in these 3 games to open the year, and will gain further experience this coming week in Maui. It might prove to have been a blessing in disguise for Gregory to have been out until December 12th, allowing these two to get more minutes and experience than they otherwise would have obtained.

6) Milbourne is a very under the radar player, who has all the tools you could want. He really would be an ideal 3, but his athleticism certainly brings a mismatch for normal PF’s trying to guard him. 24 points, 4 boards, and two 3 pointers for Milbourne last night. The three-pointers were interesting to see. As a Sophomore, Milbourne averaged 1.7 three attempts per-game, and made 39.3% of those shots. As a Junior, Milbourne attempts from 3 fell to 0.6 per game, and his shooting percentage from 3 fell to 35%.

Part of the reason his attempts decreased was due to the limitations of the Terps inside last-year. That forced him to stay close to the rim and try and help on the offensive boards. While he will still need to do that this year, the additions of Williams and Padgett mean he will not have to be glued to the paint.

If Milbourne starts knocking down 3’s with some consistency he will be a guy capable of being 2nd, or 3rd team All-ACC.

7) Mosley has had an extremely impressive start to the year, and it will be fun to see him against better talent in Maui. Against New Hampshire, Mosley had 13 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals. This gives Mosley 16 assists, and zero turnovers for the year. Additionally, Mosley was 5 for 6 from the FT line for the 2nd-straight game. His physicality at the guard position should allow him to continue to get to the line often.

8) Not a big scoring night for Bowie off the bench, but he still contributed. 7 assists, and 3 steals in 20 minutes is excellent production. Tucker also helped with 6 points, and 3 boards. Against Charleston Southern, Farifield, and New Hampshire; these two have come off the bench and completely overwhelmed the backups for those teams.

9) Hayes buried three more 3 pointers, and had 15 points for the game. For the season, Hayes is now 8 of 14 (57%) from 3.

The Bad:

1) Padgett was just 2 of 6 from the foul-line. If you get to the charity-stripe, you have to convert.

2) Bowie taking only 4 shots was fine. What I did not like, was that he missed his two 3point attempts, and the shot he made was just within the line. Bowie is a scorer, not a shooter. He can drive on anyone, and that should be his game.

3) While happy that Vasquez found his teammates, and did not force shots vs. New Hampshire, you would like to see his offensive game come alive against Chaminade, prior to the 2nd-round match-up vs. either Cincinnati/Vanderbilt.

The Ugly:

1) While I enjoyed listening to Chris Knoche on the radio, it was disappointing that the game was not on TV. Maryland also has a game against Florida Atlantic on 12/27 that will not be on TV.

Up-Next:

The Maui Invitational. Besides host Chaminade, and Maryland, the tournament will include Cincinnati, Vanderbilt, Gonzaga, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Arizona.

I will be posting interviews from beat-writers of Cincinnati, Vanderbilt, Gonzaga, Wisconsin, and Arizona.