The Maryland Terrapins claimed their fourth win in a row and solidified their hold on second place in the ACC with a come from behind win over the Clemson Tigers by the score of 88-79. The Terps were led by Sean Mosley’s 20 points, but the most important player was Greivis Vasquez. Vasquez struggled with his shot all game, but managed to score 15 points, while piling up 13 assists, and adding 3 steals and 2 rebounds. Jordan Williams, whose development seems to grow game to game added 18 points and Eric Hayes chipped in with 15.
The game itself was a tale of two halves. In the first half, Clemson bombed away from three point land, making (for them) an uncharacteristic 50 percent of their three-point attempts in the first half. The Maryland defense seemed a step slow, with Clemson getting a lot of wide open looks that they were converting. Even when Clemson missed, they were taking advantage on the offensive glass-a problem the Terps also had against Georgia Tech in their last game. At one point, the Tigers ran off 15 unanswered points and eventually built the lead up to 15 points. The Terps were reeling at several points in the half, but managed to cut to the lead to 11 points by halftime.
In the second half, the Terps turned up the defense and Clemson’s open looks started to disappear. And as those open looks disappeared, the Tigers cooled off from their hot shooting start. The Terps gradually reduced the lead, and as the tightened defense began to wear down the Tigers, the Terps took control of the game. A 24-6 run turned a 61-53 deficit to a 77-67 lead with six minutes to play. From there, Vasquez and the Terps made enough plays to keep control and seal the win.
With the win, and the loss by Virginia Tech to Boston College, the Terps tightened their grip on second place in the ACC. However, a showdown with the Hokies in Blacksburg looms on Saturday. And there are some things to be concerned about-the slow start, the troubles on the glass (Clemson had 14 offensive rebounds and outrebounded the Terps 47-34) and their usually reliable free-throw shooting went missing. Despite all of that, it was a good win against a very determined Clemson team. The win give the Terps 10 conference wins, and keeps them undefeated at home in conference play.
What a great game for the Terps. They kept their cool when Clemson was on fire and went about their business. The only things i see wrong with this win is Milbournes continued offensive struggles and the Terps being out rebounded.
Does Jordan Williams look like Sean May to anyone?
There are some similarities in physical appearance and ability, but the big advantage that May had over Jordan is athleticism. May got off the floor more quickly and with more explosion than Jordan does. Jordan is skilled and can improve his athleticism some, but I don't think he will be as athletica as May was.
Jordan uses his body very well, is a smart player and is a really effective defender despite not being a great shot blocker. I am glad to have him as a Terp for 4 years.
VT is next. Fall behind to them and there will be no miraculous 15 point comeback or last minute 3 pointer. Realistically, I'd love to see them split these games between Duke and VT. And I rather have that winning game be against Coach Frank Perdue and his Blue Devils.
A tale of two halves indeed.
Really 1/4 and 3/4.
The Terps blew the freakin doors of the Tigers during the last 10 minutes of that game. There was no way Clemson could keep up their torrid shooting from the first half. That said, I wasn't sure the Terps had it in them. Clemson is no NC State.
But they did a great job either denying Booker the ball or making it impossible for him to get to the rim when he did get it.
I think Jordan Williams has improved more during a single season than any player I can remember.