In a statement game, where Maryland was hoping to make one, the Terps looked unstable and lost during a beating from the Blue Devils. The Terps trying to stay close to the top in the ACC only needed 10 minutes to realize they were over-matched at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Today’s game wasn’t pretty as the Terps lost 77 – 56.
After last years defeat to the Blue Devils at Cameron by 41 points, Greivis and company were hoping to reverse the nightmare of what was, but couldn’t seem to get on track and pull out the win. Offensively, the Terps didn’t have it. They looked timid and couldn’t find any rhythm running their offense. Greivis was held scoreless for the first 15 minutes, but did eventually led all Maryland scoring with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. That was the extent of the Terps scoring though as only one other person, Cliff Tucker, reached double digits with 12 points. The Terps had a hard time going inside as the Blue Devils seemed to get a hand up on every shot. They also couldn’t score from beyond the arc going 2 – 13 as a team.
Defensively, the Terps looked slow. They were slow in getting set up to defend, slow reacting to screens and slow getting rebounds. The Terps didn’t defend the three very well either as Scheyer and Singler made some open three’s that killed rallies. The Blue Devils were 5 – 15 from beyond the arc, but it could’ve been worse due to some open misses. Williams and Gregory had a hard time boxing out Plumlee and Zoubek with the latter grabbing 17 rebounds to go with 16 points.
This loss today is a tough one to swallow. The Terps haven’t played the tougher teams in the ACC, but they looked like they had good cohesiveness in the games they played. The only bad loss so far this year was against Clemson and one would think they would’ve made a stand against the Blue Devils. After all, this was for first place in the ACC and the first of three tough games in the next five days. A few observations from today are, first, why couldn’t they score the for 7 minutes in the first half? Maryland is one of the top scoring teams in the ACC and they couldn’t make one basket for 7 full minutes! Two, what happened to Milbourne? He might as well have sat on the bench. He seems to get lost in loud arenas when the game is big unless its at home. Three, where is Sean Mosley? After being one of the top scorers, if not the top scorer for the first month, he’s barely averaging eight points a game. He has a knack for getting inside and grabbing rebounds and defensively he does a decent job, but he looks like he lost his ability to score. The Terps now have a n off day before hosting Virginia on Monday. Lets hope they can bounce back from this and put a win up on the board.
No one can be surprised by the loss, but we can be disappointed. Despite starting two seniors in the back court, including one who is already a 23 year old man playing against boys, we are not dealing with an elite team here. That said, if I was still in business, I'd be taking the Terps and the Points in the rematch at College Park. I just pray I don't read anything in the Sunday Sun about the Terps being affected by not playing a game in six days — I abhor excuse making of that type!
Hard to believe that Greivis was scoreless for the first 15 minutes and then led the team in points when it was all said and done. That should tell you a lot about this game.
I agree with The Bruz on the six days thing, if anything the Terps should have been well rested. Do we worry about Maryland after this game or at least wait til Virginia?
Just when this team appeared to be on the verge, they get blown off the court at Cameron. I realize Duke is a perrenial powerhouse, but those are the teams you measure yourself up to. Right now, Maryland just isn’t ready for the elite teams. At least not on a consistent basis.
This team lost at home to William and Mary. Their recent success is more of a tribute to the weakness of the conference as opposed to the strength of the team.
Duke isn't even that good.
Maryland's record is a product of a weak ACC. They have zero legit out of conference wins.
Bowie was shockingly bad yesterday.
Given the recent showings in the NCAAs, it does appear that the ACC is not what it once was. Maryland gets pummeled by Clemson, then turns around and lays the wood on Fla St. The ACC looks too average at this point.
For all of the Doom 'n Gloom, not that it isn't warranted, I'll still take Garyland and the Points on 3 March at 9.00 PM for a Lunch or some BSR Reward Points redeemable in the Gift Shop!
Have we seen this team at it's best yet? If not what will that look like?
That’s what I respect most about Bruz…While he is a fan, he remains objective. Zach- where’s Bruz’ freebies?