Monday, February 06, 2012

How Important Was That?

Well, in a word, very! The Terps entered tonight's game at #22 ranked Georgia Tech in 5th place in the ACC . . . in BCs lingo a/k/a "playing on Thursday."

The Yellow Jackets (who have probably the easiest schedule in the ACC this season) were just ahead of Maryland in the standings. The Terps (who have the the toughest ACC draw) simply had to win tonight's game in order to avoid falling further behind, and to continue their quest for that all-important first-round bye in next month's ACC Tourney.

And win they did, 64-56, thanks in large measure to a pair of outstanding performances by Alyssa Thomas and Tianna Hawkins. With their victory, and help from a Blue Devils beatdown tonight of the Tar Heels, the Terps will be leaving the Peach State now tied for 3rd place in the Conference. That's important!

Big as it was though, tonight's win certainly wasn't easy. Maryland always seems to have a tough time playing the Yellow Jackets, and tonight was no exception. The Terps got off to a really (really) slow start, and for much of the first half, it looked as though they wouldn't even break 20 points by halftime. In fact, with about 4-1/2 minutes left in the first period, the Terps had only scored 14 points . . . and were down by 10! However, a 10-0 run, sparked by Super Soph Alyssa, sent the Terps to the locker room all tied up with GT (24-24) at the break.

The second half was a heart-stopper, as the lead changed hands with virtually every possession. Neither team seemed able to pull away decisively. But with 1:11 left in the game, and the Terps clinging to a precarious two-point lead, 56-54, the Yellow Jackets began a series of intentional fouls. Anjale Barrett was first on the line, and calmly hit both of her shots, putting Maryland up by four. In the final minute, Alyssa was fouled three times, and hit all six of her free throws. The Terps kept their poise, made their free throws, and, that was the game. Whew.

Alyssa and Tianna led all scorers with 23 points each (Ti-Hawk breaking her previous career high of 22). Alyssa was perfect from the free throw line, nailing 12 of 12, as the team overall made 17 of 19 from the charity stripe, a whopping 89.5%. Lynetta Kizer, off the bench, was the only other Terp in double figures, finishing with 10 points. Anjale had a really solid performance tonight, dishing out 7 assists to go with 6 points (including those critical free throws down the stretch).

This one was important. As is every remaining game this regular season.

Next up for the Terps (before facing Miami, UVA, Duke and UNC) is Clemson, on the road, on Thursday. The Tigers may not have the best record in the ACC, but if there's one lesson Maryland learned -- the hard way -- this season, it's that there are no easy nights in the ACC.

So (for now, at least) forget the 'Canes, the Wahoos, the Devils and the 'Heels . . .

Go Maryland, Beat the Tigers!

11 Comments:

At 8:03 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great win against a solid team on the road. Good job Terps! I really hope AT starts getting national attention. She is a top 10 player and one could argue top 5. She is up there with Griner, Hartley, Stanford girl and Diggins.

 
At 8:40 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congrats ladies. Way to stay poised. Those Yellow Jackets always sting :) Yeah, I know groan, groan!! Thanks for the exciting wrap up as usual! I was on the edge of my seat yelling encouragement through the TV! Love when Coach Freese gets all red in the face!! :)
Great job!

 
At 10:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Under the Shell this week was very interesting (although I wish they wouldn't keep putting Brenda's voice over the player's speaking/interactions--I want to hear the players)to see the reactions of the team after the loss to VT. Clearly they realized what an embarrassment that loss was. AT really took it to heart and called her team out. Kim apologized for choking when given the opportunity to start. Although Kizer had a hard time finshing last night, I really think she has stepped her game up which is great since DeVaughn is really struggling. Kizer knows this is it and she is playing like a Senior should right now. She is tough in the paint and that's what we need.

 
At 10:43 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great performances by Hawkins and Thomas. Hawkins has improved so much this year. She should be proud.

 
At 2:36 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

To 10 am: Where can you see this season's Under the Shell online? I've only been able to find last year's broadcast.

 
At 2:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It comes on Sunday's at 9am or 930 on COmcast sports channel. I'm sure next week's episode will be a repeat so you can catch it again. I also think they are on the umterps.com website.

 
At 5:06 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kara Lawson thinks Mincy is the key to a run in the NCAA's by MD. I agree.

 
At 11:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

UTS was replayed last Sunday at 3 PM. Not sure if that was normal. Looking forward to attending the game against the Canes on Sunday. Hope for more balanced scoring. Go Terps.

 
At 5:22 AM, Anonymous Romeo said...

Great performance for both of the teams. Really amazing!

 
At 7:06 PM, Anonymous Josh said...

I think this is all about sports! we'll, I'm saying good luck to both teams! But take note that in every competition, there's always a winner and the other one is a loser.

 
At 6:25 AM, Anonymous Segfried said...

This is sports!Nice job for Hawkins and a remarkable improvement for this year. congrats also to Thomas

 

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