During the season, MD avenged losses to UNC, and Wake with wins in the 2nd match-up. After losing to Duke by 41, MD had 11, and 6 point losses in the subsequent two games.
In the NCAA Tournament, there are no second chances, so the season ends today.
The Memphis Tigers are what we thought they were… a strong, athletic team that was a number 2 seed for a reason… that showed why they had won 26 straight games coming into today.
MD, lacking the front-court to play Memphis straight-up… played a zone-defense for large stretches of the game, and packed the lane.
This allowed Memphis a number of wide-open looks from 3, and they buried 10 shots from that range.
That combined with a 17 for 22 showing at the FT line, and a domination of the boards, equals a 19 point MD loss.
For the Terps, there is some dissapointment in not being able to get defensive stops, and make their own foul-shots (they finished 11 for 19).
Vasquez finished the game with 18pts, 5 assists, and 3 boards.
Bowie had 13pts, Hayes had 10pts…. Mosley had 7pts, 4boards, 4assists.
Dave Neal had 9pts, and 4 boards in his last game in a Maryland uniform.
After being down 20 at half-time, there is some satisfaction in winning the second-half.
Overall, despite this game, you have to feel pretty good about this season as a whole if you are a Maryland fan.
Most publications, and fans had extremely low expectations for this team.
They were able to win 21 games… beat Michigan St, Michigan, North Carolina, and Wake Forest.
Were able to win 9 total games in ACC play, advancing to the ACC Semi-finals… were able to win a game in the NCAA Tournament against a major-conference team.
There is a lot to build off from this season, and it will be interesting to see how things progress, and the complexion of this team changes over the next month.
Obviously Neal is gone… and Jordan Williams, and James Padgett are coming.
Does Vasquez return for his Senior season?
Are there any transfers? (Dupree, Goins?)
Does Burney end his career for medical reasons after again breaking a foot?
Does Lance Stephenson, or T. Vinson committ to MD?
Those are all questions that should be answered in short-order.
Today though, is a time to reflect on the fight this team showed this year… and the development that has occurred.
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.