A Resounding 80 – 50 Victory in College Park
Zachary Wilson
Following a less than beautiful, slow-starting game against Rhode Island, the Terps charged forward against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies with a 30 point smackdown.
While a bit of that patented Maryland sluggish start was seen here, with UMD initially going shot for shot with the Grizzlies and losing 18-17, they certainly made up for this by maintaining a constant lead from that point on (Maryland would lead this game for 87.9% of regulation). The Terps flew into halftime with a fantastic 11-0 scoring run.
The contest was won in the paint, as both teams struggled to shoot beyond the arc. In fact, the Terrapins only shot 2.2% better than Oakland from three at just over 30 percent. In the paint, however, Maryland found 36 points as compared to Oakland`s 22. Maryland would also benefit from an atrocious performance by the Golden Grizzlies on the free throw line, shooting a pitiful 6-15 to UMD`s 12-17.
It seemed as though Oakland was unable to match the signature size of this talented Maryland roster, and the depth reared its strength as the second half moved along. In a surprising spectacle, freshman Hakim Hart would pile in 7 points in 12 minutes of play. In comparison, no player for the Golden Grizzlies was able to get above 6 points in 28 or less minutes.
For Oakland there was only one player on their roster able to even reach double digits in scoring-Senior Forward Xavier Hill-Mais. Hill-Mais presented a thorn in UMD`s side with 50% shooting from 3 as well as 50% shooting on the floor. With 18 points, the stretch forward was certainly the stand out star for his team in this loss. Hopefully this performance is an exception to what individual effort can do to this Terrapins defense, as the rest of the Big Ten is absolutely loaded with talent.
In a comeback performance of note, Darryl Morsell would start again despite a poor outing against Rhode Island and prove his effectiveness during this bout. By shooting 2-2 from three and 6-8 overall Morsell would have the most efficient shooting on the team as well as tying for the most rebounds with Jalen Smith at 7.
As Maryland secures another win, this will be their sixth consecutive season with a 3-0 start. Let’s hope they can carry this momentum into Tuesday’s affair against Fairfield.
Notable Statlines, The Good and The Not So Good:
The Good:
Jalen Smith-Smith turned in a great defensive performance, totaling 7 boards alongside 3 steals and 3 blocks.
Darryl Morsell-As detailed above, a great bounceback game for the Junior following a slump against Rhode Island. Good leadership example for the younger members of the team.
Anthony Cowan-Cowan turned in a well rounded game here with 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 11 points.
The Not So Good:
Eric Ayala-An inefficient shooting day for Ayala, going 0-3 beyond the arc and 3-7 total shooting. He would also give up 4 turnovers, the most for any Terp on the floor.
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