Had this one been left up to a judge, we have no doubt a verdict would've been handed down before halftime. But, this being a basketball game, all 40 minutes had to be played before the gavel came down on this afternoon's exhibition game at Comcast between the Terps and the visiting UDC Firebirds. For the record, Maryland led at the half 52-18 and won by a final score of 121-50.
And if that score looks a little lopsided, there's no doubt it could've been more so. Case in point: Coach B waited more than 25 minutes before sending veteran center Lynetta Kizer into the game. Netta didn't see any action in the first half; she didn't start the second half. Once she got in, it seemed she was able to score at will. In a total of only 9 minutes of 2nd-half action, Netta dropped 18 points on the Firebirds. Ouch. In the first half, it was freshman Alyssa Thomas who was inflicting most of the damage: playing 11 minutes of that first 20 minute period, Alyssa scored 15 points. She saw limited action in the 2nd half, but still finished with a game-high 20 points.
We were expecting to see a somewhat closer, somewhat more competitive game today than the one against Gallaudet on Tuesday. We were wrong . . . but not disappointed. What we saw today from the Terps made us very excited about the upcoming season.
At one point during the first half, Coach B's line-up consisted of all 5 of the new freshmen recruits. All we can say is, wow! We can see why this group was ranked #2 of all incoming classes in the nation. So much talent. So much energy. So much fun to watch!
There will be plenty of much tougher opponents for the Terps to face, beginning with the first regular season game next Saturday against Monmouth . . . and, of course, the #13-ranked Hoyas at Georgetown on the 16th. So, the road begins to climb and undoubtedly will get bumpier from here on out. But having seen this young group twice now, the BCs just have a feeling this could be an especially enjoyable season to be a Terps fan.
So if you don't already have season tickets, just remember it's not too late. And, it's so afforable! Cheap prices for great seats . . . and free parking. Without question the best sports entertainment bang for your buck in the DMV.
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Monday morning update . . . for a full report on Sunday's game by Mel Greenberg, click here.
posted by BasketCases @ 7:16 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Didn't see much of the first half, but a few odd notes on the second:
--Freshman Natasha Cloud looked very good on point. She was fast (led the break on occasion) and passed and protected the ball well.
--Lynetta Kizer looks to be in terrific shape and so does her post game. Maryland's other bigs are still uneven at best.
--Maryland pressed and harassed the Firebirds around the perimeter, regularly double-teaming. They showed an intensity I've not seen before.
--On the other hand, they did have trouble inbounding the ball on occasion.
--Diandra is a great shot when she has time to set up.
That's it for now.
is there an update on Laurin Mincy?
Did she get hurt??
Someone came out of the game with what looked to be a shoulder problem. She seemed to be in considerable discomfort. Although my memory is getting more like Swiss cheese every day, I believe it might have been Laurin. I saw a trainer working with her at the end of the bench, but then turned my attention back to the game.
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