This afternoon the University of Maryland improved to 12-2 overall, 2-1 in the Big Ten with a 75-59 victory over Indiana. The Terps will now prepare to host Ohio State Tuesday night.

(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

The Good: 

– It was a nice win today. MD won both halves by 8 points and pushed their lead to 30 until Coach Turgeon emptied the bench.

– The Terps got to the line for 25 Free Throws, knocking down 21 of their attempts.

– Maryland has had issues with turnovers at different points this year, but only 7 today.

– Jalen Smith and Wiggins both had 8 boards.

– Marial and Lindo both had 3 boards and a block off the bench.

– Cowan generally struggled shooting, but did have 6 boards, and 6 assists with 0 turnovers.

– As he often is, Morsell was the igniter for this MD team. He’s got an attacking mentality, and his teammates feed off of his energy.

The Bad: 

– Not to beat a dead horse, but Maryland continues to start games cold. At the 10 minute of the first half, Maryland had 8 points.

– Ayala and Marial were the only bench players to score.

– Scott is 6’7, 225 lbs. He’s in love with shooting from outside, and he’s not making enough of his 3 point attempts (1 of 5 from 3 today). He’s got some bulk to him. I like him going to the basket.

– Terps lost on the boards 41-38.

The Ugly:

– Maryland was 6 of 24 from 3. Cowan, Scott, and Wiggins a combined 3 of 16.  In the ’18-’19 season, Ayala and Wiggins both knocked down over 40% of their 3 point attempts. Entering today, Ayala was at 27%, and Wiggins was at 31%. The line did move back some, but that can’t be the whole story. I’m sure it is partly the line moving, partly fluke, partly the shots they are taking, partly more attention from defensive opponents. Whatever it is, MD has to start knocking down more shots.

General Thoughts Past Today: 

– This team can be tough to watch at-time due to their limitations, but I like this group. I really enjoy the quartet of Morsell, Ayala, Lindo, and Scott. Those are glue guys (talented glue guys) who play hard, and are willing to do the little things that matter.

– It’s not a secret that Maryland’s two most talented players are Wiggins, and J. Smith. Maryland is going to go as far as these guys take them. Smith hasn’t shown that he can just get position and own the paint vs. anyone; but that’s okay. Take advantage of the athleticism. Run the floor. Beat opponents down the court. Attack the basket. Be a defensive presence. Get put backs. Want to step-out and take shots occasionally? Fine. Smith did those things today, and it made a difference.  Wiggins did some nice things today as well. Despite being 1 of 5 from 3, he found some other ways to score. He continued to work the boards. He needs to find other ways to get the ball in the basket until the 3’s start falling.

– Cowan’s having a rock-solid Senior year. He (and Maryland as a whole) is at his best when he is pushing the tempo and getting the Terps going in transition. When MD needs baskets, Cowan is still the guy that finds a way. Overall though, I’d be asking him to focus on distributing, getting other going. Keep attacking the basket, and getting to the line. With Morsell and Wiggins, playing the passing lanes, and looking to run. Great & 1 today, as he used his improved strength to finish.

– WIthout the Mitchell twins, and with more minutes for Lindo, and Marial now joining the party; MD is contesting more shots, and going to get more blocks. That should also create more opportunities for outlets.

– Talked above about the bench scoring being light today. Let’s see if Serrel Smith, and Hakim Hart can start to carve out regular roles as reserves.

Up Next: 

The Buckeyes are 11-3 overall, 1-2 in the Big Ten. Ohio State is a talented team, but they are reeling a bit.  They lost last night in Wisconsin, and have now lost 3 of their last 5.  They’ll be looking to rebound, and make a statement vs. the Terps.  Maryland needs to protect their home floor, and build off of today’s win.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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