The Terps did exactly what they needed to do tonight in their ACC season opener. They started strong . . . slapping a 20-0 run on the Demon Deacons before Wake Forest even knew what hit 'em. And then Maryland won decisively, 92-65.
After looking up at that 20-to-nothing scoreboard, we doubt there was anyone (including Wake's players and fans) who ever thought the Deacons had a chance to pull this one out. The Terps players certainly had no doubts. They dominated Wake from start to finish. If Coach B hadn't kept all 5 reserves on the floor for the last 5 minutes, Maryland would likely have finished in the triple digits. The comfortable margin allowed everyone who was suited up to get in the game for significant playing time, and that experience may pay dividends later this season.
Tonight Kristi Toliver again showed why she's on everyone's All-American watch list (and why we spotted at least one WNBA scout in the house). KT scored pretty much at will against Wake, posting a game-high 22 points (along with 5 assists, 1 block, 1 steal, and NO turnovers) in just 29 minutes. A pretty good stat line, doncha think? Rookie Lynetta Kizer, who played only 19 minutes, made very good use of that time, adding 17 points. Three other Terps also scored in double figures, including Drey Mingo, who had an excellent outing off the bench, scoring 10 points, including 2 high-arcing beauties from beyond the 3-point line. And while Dee Liles just missed the double-figure-club with 8 points, she made up for that by being a virtual rebounding machine, pulling down an impressive 13 boards. Her vertical leap and her athleticism are simply amazing!
With the conference opener behind them, the Terps now have several days to prepare for what undoubtedly will be a much tougher test. On Monday, they travel to Durham to meet #5 ranked Duke in a 7:30 PM game that will be televised nationally on ESPN2. The last time these two teams played at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Coach B had just given birth . . . and Maryland played inspired basketball. While we very much doubt that Coach B will be going into labor on Monday, hopefully the Terps will find inspiration somewhere -- to pull off the upset -- and send an early Happy Birthday to (BasketCases guest analysts) Markus and Tyler.
Friday Morning Extra: Here's more on Vicky Bullett joining the Mystics coaching staff . . .link here. (Thanks to message board poster Stever for pointing us to this terrific article!)
posted by BasketCases @ 11:01 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Very nice to see the Terps playing good defense!! Love to see that!! And not only does Dee have athleticism, she is smart in her positioning and knowledge of the game! I say again, my favorite new Terp!!
Also, the Mystics new GM, and coaching staff are the real deal. We have to let go of the past and allow them to do their work, much like we have to do as a country!!
I also just read that Candace Parker is expecting, baby due in the spring. Maybe she won't play this season.
Hey Basketcases,
Thanks for another great blog and the link to the Vicky Bullett article.
Your blog buddy, Mel Greenberg, gave a shout-out to you on his blog, today.
http://blogs.phillynews.com/inquirer/womhoops/
Keep up the great work and I always love reading what you ladies have to write about current events involving our fav teams.
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