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!