Things didn't look too promising for Maryland in the first 6 1/2 minutes at Cassell Coliseum today. Virginia Tech led, 15-5, and Greivis Vasquez hadn't hit a shot. Worse, the Terps looked confused and on the verge of getting blown out.

That's when the inexperience of the Hokies helped Maryland get back in the game.

A more veteran team would have blown out the Terps early, but the young Hokies, even younger than Maryland, allowed the Terps to get their legs, their confidence and eventually a lead.

The biggest boost for the Terps came from freshman point guard Adrian Bowie off the bench. Bowie looked as if he were back at Montrose Christian, running the point, getting to the basket, stepping in the passing lanes on defense.

With Bowie leading the way, Maryland went on a 13-0 run midway through the half and led at halftime, 33-27.

What was promising for the Terps was that Vasquez, who has been hitting everything of late, hit nothing but four free throws in the first half. Vasquez was 0-for-5, and nothing was close. James Gist had eight points and five rebounds and came close to making an ESPN alley-oop dunk on a three-quarter court pass from Vasquez.

If the Terps can keep under control in the second half, and make some free throws (11-for-15 in the first half) they have a chance to get their first ACC win this season.