For once this early season the Terps started off strong and didn’t look back. Greivis led all Maryland scorers with 24 and Milbourne added 22 to give the Terps a big boost. For the game, the Terps shot over 50 percent. Maryland will begin their conference schedule this Sunday against Florida State.
Maryland had all phases working against the Spartans. They were able to rebound, made their shots and distributed the ball very well. Greivis had his normal allotment of assists, but thing I noticed during this game was that he didn’t have any of his erratic passes. Vasquez is always good for one of those what-the-heck-are-you-doing passes. Maryland made their first nine shots of the game and they didn’t stop making them until the final buzzer. Shooting 50 percent or more on any team is pretty good shooting. They probably will not do that against any ACC teams this year, but it shows that they shouldn’t have any trouble scoring this year.
Defensively for this team, they are really looking good underneath with Jordan Williams starting and Dino and Padgett coming off the bench. Williams has established himself as a force under the basket on both ends of the floor, but more so defensively. He is starting to average close to nine rebounds a game the last seven games and has been blocking shots more regularly. Maryland hasn’t had a freshman play like this since Joe Smith broke onto the scene in what was a short-lived career at Maryland.
The ACC is not the complete package this year as it has been in the past. Without a doubt, Maryland will be tested and what a way to start against the top team in the league right now. If Maryland can rebound well, make their shots and get to the line in tough/close games, they will have a surprising season. It all begins with Sunday against the Seminoles.
