Tournament Play
Tonight was the first game of the WNIT where we really felt that special tournament atmosphere. A good crowd on hand. Lots of excitement. A worthy opponent, Providence College from the Big East Conference . . . who traveled to Comcast with mascot, cheerleaders, dance team and a small, but vocal, cadre of fans.
In tournament play, the winner advances and the loser goes home (or, if they are already playing at home, their season simply ends). Unfortunately, the Terps' season simply ended tonight, as they lost to the Friars, 77-64.
Hopefully, the young Maryland team will take away a lesson from this evening's game: in tournament play, the team that executes, the team that values the basketball, the team that limits its own mistakes, is the team that wins more often than not. That team tonight was the Friars. They made shots when they needed to. They held onto the ball. They hit their free throws. They executed. The Terps, on the other hand . . . well, let's just say, they didn't. Those of us who were there know how bad it was. The better team, Providence, won. And we congratulate the Friars on their well-earned victory as they advance to the WNIT's round of 8.
For every Maryland player on the floor, barring one, this can -- and should -- be a learning experience. Every player, barring one, will be back next season. A game like tonight's might just make them work a little harder in the off-season. Might just make them feel they've got some unfinished business . . . like getting a date for the Big Dance, and taking a few spins around the dance floor. We hope some good will come out of it.
But for one player, tonight marks not just the end of her season, but also the end of her college basketball career. Of course, we're talking about Lori Bjork. We feel really bad that Lori's run ended with such a poor team performance. But that's the way it is sometimes. In any event, the BasketCases are so very happy that Lori choose to transfer to Maryland (after earning her undergraduate degree at Illinois). Though she's only played this one season, she's been a strong contributor to the Terps. What a great team player! What a bright, hard-working, personable young woman! As Terps fans, we haven't known Lori long . . . but that doesn't mean we won't miss her. Thank you, and good luck, Lori, and Emery, we wish you all the best in whatever comes next in your lives.
So that's it, Terps fans. Another Maryland season in the books. It'll be a long wait until next season kicks off (with several new faces). In the meantime, thank goodness for the Mystics. See you all soon at the Verizon Center!
Tonight was the first game of the WNIT where we really felt that special tournament atmosphere. A good crowd on hand. Lots of excitement. A worthy opponent, Providence College from the Big East Conference . . . who traveled to Comcast with mascot, cheerleaders, dance team and a small, but vocal, cadre of fans.
In tournament play, the winner advances and the loser goes home (or, if they are already playing at home, their season simply ends). Unfortunately, the Terps' season simply ended tonight, as they lost to the Friars, 77-64.
Hopefully, the young Maryland team will take away a lesson from this evening's game: in tournament play, the team that executes, the team that values the basketball, the team that limits its own mistakes, is the team that wins more often than not. That team tonight was the Friars. They made shots when they needed to. They held onto the ball. They hit their free throws. They executed. The Terps, on the other hand . . . well, let's just say, they didn't. Those of us who were there know how bad it was. The better team, Providence, won. And we congratulate the Friars on their well-earned victory as they advance to the WNIT's round of 8.
For every Maryland player on the floor, barring one, this can -- and should -- be a learning experience. Every player, barring one, will be back next season. A game like tonight's might just make them work a little harder in the off-season. Might just make them feel they've got some unfinished business . . . like getting a date for the Big Dance, and taking a few spins around the dance floor. We hope some good will come out of it.
But for one player, tonight marks not just the end of her season, but also the end of her college basketball career. Of course, we're talking about Lori Bjork. We feel really bad that Lori's run ended with such a poor team performance. But that's the way it is sometimes. In any event, the BasketCases are so very happy that Lori choose to transfer to Maryland (after earning her undergraduate degree at Illinois). Though she's only played this one season, she's been a strong contributor to the Terps. What a great team player! What a bright, hard-working, personable young woman! As Terps fans, we haven't known Lori long . . . but that doesn't mean we won't miss her. Thank you, and good luck, Lori, and Emery, we wish you all the best in whatever comes next in your lives.
So that's it, Terps fans. Another Maryland season in the books. It'll be a long wait until next season kicks off (with several new faces). In the meantime, thank goodness for the Mystics. See you all soon at the Verizon Center!
posted by BasketCases @ 10:49 PM
14 comments
14 Comments:
What a horrible game. Terps were turnover city tonight. Coach B should have pulled Dara Taylor. It's one thing to lose but play good...it's another thing to play horrible and have your season end.
She should have pulled Taylor from the starting line-up when ACC play started and she became a turnover machine. That said, I don't mean that Taylor should not have played - she should have, she just should not have been starting. Her poor scoring and turnover-prone game were among the main issues with this year's team.
Yes, I agree, she needs playing time but she should have been pulled last night. She was hurting her team. I understand Dara needs experience but she needs to understand turnovers aren't acceptable. All of the "fancy" passing, ridiculous. Play smart for your team please.
Alternative headline: "Friars Roast Terps". The Terps needed stick-um and a compass to find and hold on to the ball. They didn't get to the line enough and couldn't convert when they did. Very disappointing performance from a team that can do, and has done, much better. To the Friars' credit, they were amazing on defense and very opportunistic. It will be interesting to see what happens next year - which Dara Taylor will show up?
Interestingly, Dara had 0 turnovers at halftime. Her 2nd half was more problematic. Clearly we haven't found the answer at the PG spot. Dara's issues are clear, but she is more fit than Anjale. If Anjale ever gets in shape, she could take the spot. Tough decision.
I think everyone needs to give Dara a break. She's only a freshman still learning the college basketball ropes. On the postive side of her freshman career she became the Marylands All Time Freshman Leader in Assist. She was also in the top of the Assist rating in ACC.
Agreed. Most of us knew it would be a challenging season. It is asking a lot of freshmen and role players to come in and have instant success at a high level. We've been spoiled by a core group of great players who had virtually unreal careers. I'm supporting all of our Terps and really enjoyed watching them play their hearts out this season.
I support the Terps too of course. Last night was just very disappointing. I think you have to pull players sometimes when they are hurting your team. Dara was hurting her team last night. Yes, she is a freshman but at this point in the season, you are no longer really a freshman. Lessons need to be learned and sometimes the lessons need to be learned sitting on the bench. Dara will learn to play at different speeds as she matures. right now all she knows is...run up the court. Overall, a better season for the Terps than I had expected. Many close games were lost due to not hitting free throws and turnovers. I have high hopes for next season.
Exactly- give Dara a Damn break--- had we not had the SUPER PHENOMENAL talent we had the previous 5 years (Shay,Lang, Harp, Riss, KT) we'd have been talking about KTs turnover prone-ness! Funny thing is- this current group is super talented as well.... be patient people! These ladies had an awesome year despite the inpatience of some fans. This team is going to do great things as they continue to grow together and learn.
Here, Here - finally someone else who gets it! This year's team lived in the shadow of some former great performers and with all the hype about the players to come next year. That's a lot of weight to shoulder - but they did it and did it well! Thanks for the memories!
My apologies for going there with the "damn break", but those of you who figured out who posted that comment know me (Mo Brown) I love this team and really think they have done well under the glare/expectations. Other folks need to "get it". Of course these are some of the same fans who thought once Lang/Harp graduated we were done, when we still had the "wonder twins" (Riss/KT).
oh, and one more thing- that great team that won the NCAA title, didn't play under the added weighty expectations of a previous team winning an NCAA title. I'm just sayin'......
Vicky Bullett is no longer listed as an assistant coach on the Mystics website. Any news whether she will have another position with them?
I think they are only allowed one. Assistant coach now in the wnba. I hope they do have another position for her with the Mystics.
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