Terps Hoops Looks to Rebound After Disappointing Trip To Maui
I am not sure if a trip to Maui in December can be considered disappointing, but if you are looking at how the basketball team performed, you will have to think they should be disappointed. In their first two real test of the sesaon, they were out played in both games against Cincinnati, and Wisconsin.
In the Cincinatti game, they were out muscled inside. At the time, I wasn’t so concerned about that loss. It was Jordan Williams and James Padgett’s first test against a bonafide front line. They showed some poise at times, but in reality they were used and abused inside. If they can use that experience to grow going forward, then it was a good trip. I just hope they don’t start to question themselves or their abilities. Vasquez continued to struggle on the offensive end. He just hasn’t gotten in the rhythm of the offense yet. He is forcing shots and passes and leaving his feet for everything he does. Once he gets calmed down, I think he will be fine.
Now on to the Wisconsin game. The Terps wanted Wisconsin to beat them from the outside, and they did. Wisconsin drained three pointer after three pointer to open up a double digit lead. The Terps did fight back, and Vasquez seemed to get going a little, but he still is not playing up to his potential. I was very impressed at how Wisconsin didn’t let Maryland control the tempo and force them into an uptempo game. Wisconsin, did exactly what they needed to do to beat the Terps.
My biggest concern coming out of Maui is rebounding. There are times when the Terps could really go on a run if they could get a stop. The problem is not the defense, but the ability to get the rebound after the initial stop. Rebounding has to be a team emphasis. Even with the bigger lineup this year, they still need the guards to help on the glass.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier this week with a trip to Indiana and a visit to DC from Scottie Reynolds and Villanova. Personally, I am all for the increase competition, but if the Terps aren’t careful, they could fall to 4-4 on the season if they don’t get some thing tightened up. I have confidence they will fix somethings up and get Vasquez going and win in Indiana. Go Terps!
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