Tyrell Sturdivant
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Artis and Young Fuel Pitt Past Maryland
Pitt @ Maryland
College Park, Md – Senior duo Michael Young (6’9 235) and Baltimore native Jamel Artis (6’7 215) combine for 47 points to beat Maryland on its home floor 73-59. Pittsburgh jumped out to a solid start and used a 25-4 run to lead at the break 46-25. Pittsburgh came into the game 5-1 and the Terps 7-0.
In the first half it was the Jamel Artis show. The do it all shooting guard showed his versatility scoring and even running the offense from time to time. Artis used his size to exploit smaller defenders and also drove the lane at will to finish at the rim. Artis had 15 points in the first half. Being a 6’7 guard, Artis can play multiple positions on both ends of the floor. He can basically play 1-4 on offense and guard 1-4 on defense if needed. Artis was most effective when driving the lane and taking on his defenders head on. Jamel showed an ability to keep the defense honest by knocking down a couple of three’s. This really allowed him to blow by any defenders that were off balance. Artis finished with 22 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The second half was dominated by Michael Young. Young showed the offensive skillset of an NBA forward. Young is shooting 47% from three and 86% from the foul line so far this season. The ability to keep his defender off balance by shooting from the perimeter and putting the ball on the floor is what makes Young so valuable. When he drives the lane he absorbs a lot of contact and uses his strength to power through defenders. He went to the foul line ten times converting nine. Michael also has the ability to post up and score on plays in the paint or on fade away jumpers. He was an absolute force for the Panthers on the offensive side all night. Young finished with 25 points, 2-4 from three, 9-10 from the free throw line and nine rebounds.
Young and Artis both displayed why Pitt will be a tough out in the ACC and a strong NCAA tournament competitor. Both players generated some interest from the NBA after tonight’s performance.
For Maryland the game was not so pretty. They struggled shooting the ball all night. They finished at 34% from the field and only 27% from three (10-36). Yes Maryland shot 36 three pointers. That number is eye popping. Maybe they should have switched it up some and tried to attack the basket more, but a lot of these three pointers were wide open or in rhythm looks. Maryland will need to figure out their shooting ways if the want to be a BIG10 contender this season.
Leading the way for Maryland was Melo Trimble (6’3 185). Trimble coming off two solid games in the Barclay’s Center Classic struggled to get going in this game. Trimble did not have as many lanes to drive to the basket as usual against Pitt’s zone defense. This forced him to fire away from three where his shot has been inconsistent since his freshman season. Trimble went 2-8 from three in the game. Trimble led the Terps with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
Michal Cekovsky (7’1 250) has been playing well since starting the season late from an injury. In his first four games he is averaging 10 points, four rebounds, one block, while shooting 69% from the field. Tonight Cekovsky may have been the only bright spot. He continued to make his presence felt down low scoring on close range shots or put backs. Cekovsky was also a factor protecting the paint finishing with two blocks. This is exactly the type of play Maryland will need from its big man to be able to withstand the struggles of BIG10 conference play. Cekovsky scored ten points, had three rebounds, two blocks, went 4-4 from the field in only 20 minutes of play. His playing time will continue to increase as he is eased back into the lineup after returning from injury.
Things will not get easier for the Terps as they face Oklahoma State at home on Saturday night. A team that just beat Georgetown 97-70. Maryland came from behind to beat Georgetown by one 76-75 a couple of weeks ago.
For Pitt they face Duquesne at home on Friday.
Towson Dismantles Stony Brook
Towson Dismantles Stony Brook
Towson, Md – Towson (3-2) used a huge 30-0 run to separate themselves from winless Stony Brook (0-4) for a final of 88-63. This game was a part of the Barclays Center Classic but it was played at Towson. Mike Morsell led the way for the Tigers with 21 points, while his teammate Deshaun Morman had 18.
The Seawolves of Stony Brook got off to a good start early in the first half leading 26-18. Towson then turned up the pressure and went on a massive 32-2 run to take a 50-28 lead into half. Early on for Stony Brook junior forward Akwasi Yeboah (6’6 230) showed his versatile skill set helping his squad jump out to an early lead. Akwasi scored ten of Stony Brook’s first 16 points. He made two three’s and drove to the basket with ease early. The unfortunate part about this is that is all the points Akwasi scored in the entire game. Akwasi finished with ten points and one rebound.
Leading scorer Tyrell Sturdivant (6’7 224) struggled to find any rhythm throughout the game on offense. He came into the game averaging 15 ppg. and 9 rpg., but missed several close range hook shots and putbacks. Stony Brook will not be able to afford having Sturdivant struggle on offense if they want to remain competitive throughout the year. He is their only post presence. One that is trying to help fill the void left by current NBA D-Leaguer Jameel Warney, who the team’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks and games played.
Also contributing was senior point guard Lucas Woodhouse (6’3 180). Woodhouse finished with nine points, two assists and three steals.
For Towson much like last year balance was the key to getting the win. The Tigers had five players score in double figures. Leading the way was Mike Morsell (6’5 215). Morsell showed the ability to pull up from three with fluidity, while also being able to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. Morsell is becoming a better all-around scorer this year and he is now displaying better consistency from deep as well. Morsell finished with 21 points, 9 of 13 from the field and 3 of 5 from three. He also chipped in three rebounds. Deshaun Morman (6’3 195) had a breakout game in his first home contest of his Towson career. Morman, the Cincinnati transfer, was a playmaker on both ends of the floor. Morman used his defensive prowess very well when Towson started pressing Stony Brook mid-way through the first half. This allowed Morman to create turnovers and get out on the break where he excels in the open floor. Morman scored on several breakaways and was attacking the lane at will. Deshaun was rewarded with ten free throws, converting seven of them. Morman had 18 points, four rebounds and four steals.
The other three players for Towson that finished in double figures were William Adala Moto (6’7 225) eleven points, seven rebounds and three assists; Alex Thomas (6’9 250) 12 points and five rebounds; John Davis (6’5 235) 13 points, ten rebounds and two steals.
This game was a part of a campus tournament Towson is hosting as part of the Barclays Center Classic. With Maryland, Boston College, Richmond and Kansas State playing in Brooklyn; Towson is hosting a four team tournament with Hampton, Stony Brook and Robert Morris.
Up next for Stony Brook is Hampton on Saturday at 5:00.
Up next for Towson is Robert Morris on Saturday at 7:30.
Isaac Copeland Scouting Report
Isaac Copeland
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Jessie Govan Scouting Report
Jessie Govan
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L.J. Peak Scouting Report
Rodney Pryor Scouting Report
Rodney Pryor
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Maryland Completes Epic Comeback Against Georgetown
Maryland @ Georgetown
Maryland Completes Epic Comeback Against Georgetown
Washington D.C. – Maryland completed a seven point comeback with a little more than a minute left to play, with an emphatic block by freshman wing Kevin Huerter (6’7 190) at the rim, against Georgetown guard Jagan Mosely. The final was 76-75 in a game littered with fouls and sloppy play. Maryland held an early lead and the game ended up being tied 31 all at the half. The real story of the game was the officiating, which was poor to say the least. At half there was 29 total fouls and at the end of regulation there was 56! There was a lack of flow to the game clearly with all of the fouls, but the game itself was entertaining and competitive throughout.
For Georgetown this loss will be a tough one to swallow. Blowing a lead in the final minute is never easy let alone a seven point lead. Georgetown had several key turnovers at the end, a Rodney Pryor travel and a Tre Campbell stepping out of bounds. These turnovers kept Maryland alive and they capitalized. Rodney Pryor (6’5 205 SG) a graduate transfer from Robert Morris, scored 32 points against SC Upstate last week but struggled to get much going against Maryland. Pryor used his length to get in the lane, but made more of an impact from the perimeter making 3 of 6 from three. Pryor has the ability to score in bunches by using his driving ability and perimeter game to keep defenses honest. Other than scoring he does not provide much ability to get his teammates involved. Pryor finished with 14 points on 4 of 12 shooting and 3 of 6 from three, while getting six rebounds and two steals. Isaac Copeland (6’9 220 SF Jr.) showed an ability to score off the bounce attacking the lane often. Copeland is an intriguing prospect due to his size and versatility. He will need to become more of a consistent shooter to be effective at the next level. Copeland was extremely active on the glass using his length to keep balls alive on the offensive boards corralling six total. Copeland finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds, three steals and 2 assists.
The player who started to take over for the Hoyas was L.J. Peak (6’5 215 SG Jr.). Peak had a very efficient game. He did not come on until the second half, but attacked the lane at will and drew fouls regularly. Peak’s strong frame allows him to take on contact while maintaining control and finishing scoring plays in the lane. If Peak shows more of an ability to make the three point shot he will have a shot to be a draft pick after his career. Peak finished with 21 points, one three pointer, 5 of 8 from the field, on 10 of 12 free throws with two rebounds in only 20 minutes due to foul trouble.
For a young Maryland team this was a huge confidence booster. Led by Melo Trimble (6’3 185 PG Jr.) the Terps stay composed and pulled out a tough road (albeit 17 miles from campus) win against an old rival. Trimble was quiet much of the first half until the second he looked like the Trimble of old. He has his explosive burst back when going by defenders. He doesn’t rely on his body shielding defenders off as much on drives like he use to. Now he just blows by them or uses his patented crossover dribble to shake them off. Trimble finished with 22 points on 7 of 9 free throws, with two assists. Majority of his points came by blowing by defenders for layups. The most impactful player for Maryland was Justin Jackson (6’7 225 F Fr.). Jackson has a ridiculous 7’3 wingspan and he uses all of it when playing defense and crashing the glass. Jackson was the steady offense during the game when the Terps looked to be struggling or fading from the Hoyas. Jackson showed an ability to stretch the floor hitting 3 of 5 three pointers, while also being able to put the ball on the floor and driving the lane. Jackson’s versatility will be a mismatch against a lot of teams especially if Maryland decides to play small ball. Jackson final stat line was 17 points, on 7 of 12 overall and 3 of 5 from three, as well as seven rebounds.
A couple other key performers for the Terps were Anthony Cowan (6’0 170 PG Fr.) and Kevin Huerter. Cowan had eleven points, five assists, five rebounds and three steals. Huerter finished with six points, five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Maryland and Georgetown rivalry needs to happen every year. The real question is will it. What do either team have to lose by scheduling each other. It’s one of the best areas in the country for basketball. Hopefully pride doesn’t get in the way of making it a tradition.
Up next for Georgetown is vs Arkansas St. on Thursday
Up next for the Terps is vs Saint Mary’s (MD) on Thursday
American University Scouting Reports
Sa’eed Nelson – PG 6’1 175 Freshman
Scouting Report : saeednelson11-11-16
Leon Tolksdorf – SF 6’8 225 Senior
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Delante Jones – G 6’5 195 Sophomore
Embed from Getty ImagesScouting Report : delantejones11-11-16
Maryland vs American
No. 25 Maryland Grinds Out Win Over American
Melo Trimble Living At The Line
College Park, MD – Maryland edged out American 62-56, by pulling away in the last few minutes of the game. In a season after Maryland lost four of its five starters to the pros, the Terps showed what might be their achilles heel. Other than AP All-American Honorable Mention Melo Trimble they lack pure scorers that can create. Maryland struggled to get any continuity and offense going throughout the entire game. They had a few spurts and runs, but nothing consistent. Melo was relied on heavily to bail them out near the end of the shot clock, something that seems to be a reoccurring theme of his career thus far. American showed some real grit and was competitive throughout. They showed that they will be in the race to be one of the top teams in the Patriot League.
The Eagles top returning scorer from last year Delante Jones, a 6’5 195 lbs. sophomore shooting guard, struggled to get it going in the first half. His shots weren’t falling and he seemed to be pressing a bit much. Jones used his length to get to the basket and his solid shooting stroke in the second half to finish with ten points, three assists, two rebounds while hitting two big three’s late in the game. The player that kept the Eagles in touch with the Terps throughout was freshman point guard Sa’eed Nelson (6’1 175). Nelson provided stability and continuity to the Eagles lineup playing a total of 35 minutes. Nelson made an impact on both ends of the floor. On offense he excelled at getting in the lane and drawing contact. While he did not record any assists he kept his teammates involved and made passes that led to other teammates getting assists. On defense Nelson played the passing lanes very well and scored on multiple turnovers on the break. Nelson finished with 12 points, 2 rebounds and 3 steals in 35 minutes.
Other impact players for American were freshman center Mark Gasperini (6’10 250) and senior forward Leon Tolksdorf (6’8 225). Gasperini led the team with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists while making two three’s. Tolksdorf finished with eight points, two assists and two made three’s.
For Maryland the offense seemed to look eerily similar to coach Mark Turgeon’s entire tenure. There was a lot of dribble hand off and screens and then when the Terps realized they were running out of time it turned into high pick and roll ball. Luckily for the Terps they have one of the best options to bail them out in the country in junior point guard Melo Trimble (6’3 185). Trimble excels in running the pick and roll and attacking the lane. That is where he will make his money at the next level. Melo was Maryland’s only consistent offense in the game. It seems that he could have been even more aggressive if he wanted to, almost getting to the rim at will. Melo tried to set things up for his teammates, but it was a very uninspiring offense to say the least. Trimble finished with a game high 22 points, four assists and three rebounds.
Starting next to Trimble was top 100 recruit, point guard Anthony Cowan (6’0 165). Cowan was a pest on defense and pressured ball handlers all night. On offense, Cowan played some point even with Melo on the floor. He showed he will be a great option to run the team if Turgeon wants Melo to play off the ball. Cowan was also the most active rebounder tying for the game lead with nine rebounds, five of which were offensive. Cowan finished with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Maryland also had a good showing from Duquesne graduate transfer L.G. Gill (6’8 230). Gill, a power forward, scored several times in the post using a right hook. He was very active on the glass, which led him to go 7 of 8 from the free throw line.
Maryland will have to figure things out fast as they prepare for local rival Georgetown. They will have to execute at a much higher level on offense and be ready for Georgetown’s Princeton offense.
Up next for Maryland is @ Georgetown on Tuesday.
Up next for American is @ Texas A&M on Monday.
The Young Veteran 