No encore for Terps
The Maryland Terps made a statement against No. 5 Michigan State on Thursday at the Old Spice Classic, but they could not follow it up tonight against No. 9 Gonzaga. The Zags were just too big, dominating the offensive boards and taking control of the game in the second half to send Maryland to its first loss in five nonconference games.
The Terps, who shot so well on Thanksgiving, hit just one of 12 three-pointers tonight and shot just 37 percent from the field. Gonzaga shot 51 percent and outrebounded Maryland 39-29.
Still, Terps fans can't complain about the performance of Gary Williams' young squad at Disney's Wide World of Sports. The Terps showed they can play with anyone -- despite tonight's seemingly lopsided final -- and have a lot of room to grow. It would have been a lot to ask for them to beat two top 10 teams on back-to-back nights.
Comments
Give me a break. What we learned was that the Terps could play well provided their opponent doesn't have a big inside man. I doubt if that's good enough to make it to the top half of the ACC or the NCAA tourney.
Posted by: Doug Dillon | November 29, 2008 8:42 AM
Terps fans not complain? Surely, you jest!
Posted by: Keith | November 29, 2008 8:46 AM
Great write up! The 5 minutes you put into it well spent!
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Pete's reply: I'm sorry, I thought this was a blog. Perhaps you were looking for the game story and got lost?
Posted by: Mariolucasforthree | November 29, 2008 9:19 AM
Being it is a BLOG, you have to put some thought into it....like, these Terps need to make the basic plays, like NOT turning the ball over because you can't get it inbounds after the opponent scores, OR making a crazy pass like GV does at least 5 times EVERY game! Is GV really this dumb, because he has been making these stupid plays ever since he has come to MD! He thinks "this is how I play, I won't change, people can keep loving or hating me"....well dumbunny, IF PEOPLE saw you making strides to CHANGE or try to change, we wouldn't have a problem! AT least one fact is certain.....on the MD Championship team, GV wouldn't have played....or.....if he did, it would be so spotty you would forget he was even on the team! NOW, that is what you get out of watching yesterday's game....when your so-called "go to guy" makes boneheaded plays...enough of the take this type of play crap...even my 12yr old son says "dad, what is he doing?" I said, not playing like a team, that is for sure! Because when something works, like GV driving to the basket for the 4pt of the game, how come he didn't keep trying that one play, until the def. stops it, no, he goes an does something that turns the ball over....AT least this team has Mosley, because you really see the basketball IQ pouring out of this kid, he has the "knack" (not the music group) and instincts that you can't teach and even so young (1st yr. player) he is making the right decisions....just can't wait for his shot to begin to fall! IT says a lot about a player who ends up 2nd leading scorer in MD State HS history, YET is wasn't known as a Scorer - we are going to see a lot of great games w/ him on the court - can't wait!
On the height issue, it is really obvious we miss that kid who transferred, we put all our rocks into that one kids basket, he goes to S. Fla, we lose any and all inside presence - can you please advise why a kid like that would leave MD (where Gary helps many inside guys, (plus MD runs the Flex offense where which this kid loves) like Smith, Lonnie, Wilcox, Gist) after doing what he did to VaTech (I understand why he left w/ what happened on the campus the spring prior - my prayers to all)...BUT, Gary has sent big men to the NBA...plus can teach them the game....so he moves to S. Fla. where it seems his AAU or HS coach is now involved....like that move doesn't smell to high heaven...you really see this alot in basketball, where AAU or HS coaches making College staffs for the very 1st time....influences a kid's decision making.
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Pete's reply: Being that we have a Terps blog (Tracking the Terps) and my blog is weighted more heavily toward baseball and football, I just wanted to throw up a quick comment on a slow day because I watched the game.
Posted by: JTalbott | November 29, 2008 10:17 AM
Height is going to be a factor all season long. Gonzaga is huge and obviously dominated the boards. Our outside shooting was horrible though. We are a very young team and these guys will definitely improve, but you can't improve height and that worries me a little.
Posted by: Mike B | November 29, 2008 10:50 AM
This is a test post. I've been reading this blog since it's inception but have never posted.
Could someone please tell me how to determine my URL?
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Pete's reply: I don't think it's required.
Posted by: Bear the Birdfan | November 29, 2008 12:13 PM
Great job on the blog about the Terps. Don't let these fools who complain from afar bother you. I'm enjoying the updates on the non-updates about the Oriole's moves this stovetop season. I'm not expecting a lot out of them, so even a middle of the road free agent starter would make me happy. Trade trade trade and keep going with the rebuilding project so we are competitive by 2013 - 15. GO CORNHUSKERS
Posted by: nebraska_jeff | November 29, 2008 12:16 PM