When the Terps Tipped Off tonight against the Hurricanes in Miami, it was inevitable that one of the teams was going to see a big winning streak come to an end. The Terps began the day as one of only 3 remaining undefeated teams in the NCAA (16-0), while Miami hadn't lost at home since the 2009-10 season . . . an impressive run of 33 straight wins at the BankUnited Center.
Unfortunately for Maryland, the 'Canes once again mounted a successful defense of their home court, handing the Terps their first defeat of the season, 75-63.
Remember back on December 21st when Miami played that dismal game at Georgetown, losing 71-46? Remember the BCs said that we were certain that the Miami team that showed up to play the Terps on January 12th wouldn't look anything like the Miami team that faced the Hoyas . . . a Miami team that, on that night, couldn't hit water from a boat? Well, sadly, we were right. Sometimes we'd rather be wrong.
Tonight, the 'Canes hit 13 of 28 three-pointers (ouch!), 8 of them by Riquna Williams, who torched the Terps with a game-high 34 points. Miami also out-rebounded Maryland (double-ouch!), 40-35. And that's pretty much the story of the game.
We didn't actually see it, but we listened on University of Miami radio (painfully, given how the announcers mangled the Terps' names). Early on it appeared as though the game was going to be a Miami rout, as the Terps quickly found themselves down 22-10, with Riquna Williams pouring in 15 points in the opening minutes. But the Terps found their stride, battled back, and by halftime headed to the locker room with a narrow lead, 27-25.
Maryland opened the second half with a run to widen their lead to 35-28, but Miami came back, and then, for most of the second half, it was anybody's game.
Unfortunately for Maryland, the 'Canes once again mounted a successful defense of their home court, handing the Terps their first defeat of the season, 75-63.
Remember back on December 21st when Miami played that dismal game at Georgetown, losing 71-46? Remember the BCs said that we were certain that the Miami team that showed up to play the Terps on January 12th wouldn't look anything like the Miami team that faced the Hoyas . . . a Miami team that, on that night, couldn't hit water from a boat? Well, sadly, we were right. Sometimes we'd rather be wrong.
Tonight, the 'Canes hit 13 of 28 three-pointers (ouch!), 8 of them by Riquna Williams, who torched the Terps with a game-high 34 points. Miami also out-rebounded Maryland (double-ouch!), 40-35. And that's pretty much the story of the game.
We didn't actually see it, but we listened on University of Miami radio (painfully, given how the announcers mangled the Terps' names). Early on it appeared as though the game was going to be a Miami rout, as the Terps quickly found themselves down 22-10, with Riquna Williams pouring in 15 points in the opening minutes. But the Terps found their stride, battled back, and by halftime headed to the locker room with a narrow lead, 27-25.
Maryland opened the second half with a run to widen their lead to 35-28, but Miami came back, and then, for most of the second half, it was anybody's game.
That "anybody" turned out to be Miami. Unfortunately for Maryland, Williams, who hadn't scored since hitting those 15 points early in the first half, came alive once again and started burying threes. After that, it was all downhill for the Terps.
Congratulations to #11-ranked Miami on their big win. There's a good reason they owned a 33-game home win streak (now, 34) and were the pre-season favorite to win the ACC.
The BCs trynot very hard at all to avoid cliches, but tonight one is apt. Every end is a new beginning. The Terps have no reason to hang their heads. They have the toughest schedule in the ACC, and after 4 games (3 of them on the road) against 4 quality opponents (2 nationally ranked), Maryland returns home 3-1 in conference play.
They'll have a chance to begin a new win streak and improve upon their ACC record when they face Virginia at Comcast on Monday night atthe too late for us folks who have to go to work the next morning time of 8:30PM.
Congratulations to #11-ranked Miami on their big win. There's a good reason they owned a 33-game home win streak (now, 34) and were the pre-season favorite to win the ACC.
The BCs try
They'll have a chance to begin a new win streak and improve upon their ACC record when they face Virginia at Comcast on Monday night at
Go Terps! . . . Beat the Cavs!
posted by BasketCases @ 10:08 PM
15 comments
15 Comments:
bad game. Mincy had a very rough shooting night. Just not a good game overall and we got beat on the boards. 3-1 start though is very good given 3 of the 4 were on the road. Tough game on Monday. Hoping Mincy and the team can come back strong. I think they can.
The offensive rebounds margin hurt, the turnovers hurt but what I am most concerned about is the limited playing time Kizer is getting. UMD cannot win close games, big games, money games without her getting her major minutes.
Am I the only one feeling a bad vibe about to brew with her lack of playing time? I so looking forward to being at the Final 4 in Denver rooting for the Terps. But something is not looking and feeling right - hope I'm only feeling this way after a loss.
Rough shooting night for Mincy no doubt. What's more concerning is the weak perimeter defense. Even on a good shooting night, if our guards continue to play token defense we won't be able to win the ACC much less get to the Final Four. It's somewhat telling when a guard's on the court 30+ minutes without a single foul and the other team's leading scorer (also a guard) hits us up for 34 points. Great coaches teach and demand defense. Keeping T. Hawk involved offensively is a must also. Good start to conference play. With some tweaking & better use of personnel we could have a great end to conference play & chance at Final Four.
On the road with a Miami team that is one of the top two teams in the acc statistically along with maryland. and it was not like we were blowing away teams prior to that. all of this can be rectified but we did not exactly lose to a dog. dependence on AT is not necessarily a good thing but they have had much better guard play this year with fewer turnovers. look...16 and 1 isn't exactly doomsday and i will bet my bottom dollar virginia goes down for the count at home. hey...basketcases...keep up the great work. you always call them as you see them and i appreciate that. goooooo terps....
I am concerned about Kizer also. We have been struggling the last 3 games and fortunately we won 2 of them largely because of Alyssa. Tonight Alyssa struggled - 8 turnovers - probably trying to do too much. Like you say we can start a new winning streak against Virginia. We need to get back to our assertive style of play to begin a new winning streak. Thanks for your comments.
I don't understand the Kizer playing time either. Kizer must be struggling on the defensive end and I do know, she seems to have trouble finishing around the basket at times. However, Devaughn is not lighting it up so I'm not sure what's going on there. It does seem odd to me. However, it's not like the coaches don't want to win. So whatever they are seeing, it must be best for the team or something. Not sure.
I'm not concerned about this team unless we lose against VA and Wake. then, I'm concerned. Mincy has to step her play back up.
I think the real issue is that we were Voepel'd! Mechelle's not allowed to write about us until after we win the natty!!
Agree. Curse of the Mechelle!
Could Kizer's lack of playing time be somehow related to her mystery violation of team rules early in the season?
I wonder that also. However, I do think they like the leadership and energy she can provide coming off the bench. 16 minutes though is not enough in my opinion.
I'm looking for this team to punish VA on Monday night. We should see some extra effort by all--or atleast we should.
I was at the game and Miami's defense was swarming everyone but Anj. When she passed the ball, there would be 2-3 Miami players surrounding Alyssa and Laurin, very up close and personnal, not giving any room for a pass to anyone else. It was a very physical game and the refs were letting alot of this go. Everyone one of Miami's players crashed the boards for rebounds. The Terps were blocking out 2-3 players and someone else would fly in from several feet away and snag the ball. You can see by the amount of fouls called that the refs weren't calling much, but it was much more physical then that stat shows. No excuses there. Also Williams started hitting shots, that for the most part highly contested. When she got hot in the second half, I just sat in wonder. "How did that shot go in" She was in the zone. I traveled with the team and they seemed very sullon on the flight home. All I can say is, look out UVA.
Let's remember that the kids played a tough, physical game against GT last Friday, an even more physical game in hostile UNC on Sunday that also went into OT, and then had a flight canceled and didn't get to the hotel in Miami until midnight the night before the game. I'd say we're seeing the results of a tired team. And I don't want to hear about them needing to expect this for the ACC tourny. We're still at the front end of the season and they have a couple of months to build up the stamina needed for that marathon so I don't expect them to have it now. Also, I trust these coaches to play whomever they think is best for the team and don't care to speculate who should or should not play more. I'm not losing faith. If nothing else, they sure are fun to watch. And I think the BCs definitely have to talk with Ms. Voepel. LOL GO TERPS!!
Perhaps an early season loss to a team whose defense got it done will prove to be a good lesson for us. Particularly if each of our players commits to playing more swarming, up close and personal defense. That, coupled with the offense and depth that we have, would make this Terps team difficult to beat.
This is the ACC... ACC = Everyone's A game!
This Duke fan is not going to comment on the Terp's loss to Duke alum Katie Meier's Hurricanes for two reasons: 1) I think you are going to win the ACC and 2) I do not want to jeopardize my treat at the ACC tourney promised to me by the BC's for the entertainment I provided during the Mystics' horrific season. Maybe Kizer will fall in the draft to the Mystics and maybe she'll help the Styx. Still love AT. One of my all time fave non-Duke ACC players.
Post a Comment
<< Home