I guess the game early in the year when the Terps lost 53-45 to Georgetown was no fluke. Here are some of my observations of the season ending game.
The Terrapins had no answer for Sugar Rodgers who tallied 34 points including 7 three point shots. But it was diminutive point guard Rubylee Wright who led this team. she pressed, broke the press, and generally created havoc in the Terps offense.
A former high school coach and good friend Brian Yoniger once explained how a great press breaks you down. When I coached travel rec ball, my team faced teams that applied full court pressure from the start. Brian used to say there were 2 phases you had to overcome to be successful. First we spent half the season crossing half court. But an effective press puts the team being pressed in chaos if it tries to score too quickly. Thats what happened to Maryland last night—Early on the Terps were out of control playing like they were down 30. Add to this the theory that teams that press hate to be pressed. Brenda went to the press in the 1st half and it was successful but the lack of hitting their shots didn’t allow the Terps to set up often.
Lauren Mincy came off the bench and helped turn the tide early but this Georgetown team was determined last night. Alyssa Thomas was her usual excellent self scoring 25 in a losing effort.
I like where the Terps sit for next year. Alyssa Thomas and the other prized freshmen will lead this team to even greater heights next season.
By the way, when the gamed ended I went to Milton Kent and asked if the Hoyas had any chance against UConn. His response was a quick negative shake of the head.
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