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

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 2015-2016 Maryland Terrapins

The Five

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The following are scouting reports completed on the Maryland Terps during the 2015-2016 season. The reports completed were up to the date specified. The players include Melo Trimble, Jake Layman, Robert Carter Jr., Diamond Stone and Rasheed Sulaimon.

Scouting Reports: