Just A Little Off
When you notice your team's leading player on the sidelines, just before the tip, with, ummm . . . what appears to be a "wardrobe malfunction," you start to wonder -- what kind of game is this going to be? Well, interesting . . . at the very least. And, indeed it was. Today's game between the Terps and the 'Canes in front of an enthusiastic crowd of more than 11,000 at Comcast Center turned out to be an exciting, tightly-contested matchup between two very good teams.Unfortunately, when it was finally decided -- in the last minute -- the #6-ranked Miami Hurricanes had bested the #8-ranked Terps, 76-74. As often is the case in a game decided by a single possession, it's the little things that make all the difference. And that explains today's outcome.
The Terps played tough -- and mostly very well -- but, particularly down the stretch, they were just a little off. Maryland turnovers and late misses from the charity stripe (while the 'Canes hit almost all of their FTs) . . . those were the
There's no shame in losing to the 'Canes. There's a reason why they are ranked #6 in the NCAA and are now sitting comfortably at 10-1 in the ACC standings. But that doesn't make this afternoon's loss any easier for the team -- or its fans -- to take. For the Terps, with the toughest schedule in the ACC, a close loss at home . . . well, that really
Five Maryland players finished in double figures today, two with double-doubles: T-Hawk led the Terps in scoring with 18 points (and 10 rebounds), while Lynetta (off the bench) had, in the BCs' opinion, her best game this season. Netta scored 16 points, pulled down 12 boards, and demonstrated some real senior leadership. An excellent performance by Lynetta . . . we're just sorry for Netta that it ended with an "L." Alyssa (12), Anjale (12) and Laurin (11) completed the double-digit scoring for Maryland.
Two of the Terps' four ACC losses have come at the hands of the 'Canes. Fortunately, that's the last they'll see of Miami, unless they meet in Greensboro. In the meantime -- between now and the ACC tourney -- Maryland has four more games to play. The Terps' next opponent is a very competitive UVA team, on the road, on Thursday. The Terps won the first meeting this season, at Comcast, but the Cavs, at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, will be a tough match-up. And there's no underestimating how important to the Terps' post-season fortunes the outcome of Thursday's game will be.
Go Terps . . . Beat the Wahoos!
Photo Credit: DC BasketCases
posted by BasketCases @ 8:56 PM
17 comments
17 Comments:
We need to win out right to stay ahead of GT and get that 4th slot?
Tough loss. Should of and could of won the game but couldn't close it out down the stretch. Miami made the plays at the end. Kizer has become a go to player again and a rough start to the season--glad to see it. We need her big time and she has really stepped up the last 4 games.
I partially agree with you about Netta, great first half, 12 of her 16 in fact. But I thought they needed to feed her inside with the size mismatch more in the 2nd half. I'm wondering if she should be starting because Alicia looks lost lately unless Coach B thinks she's a spark off the bench.
Also, does anyone know about Netta's family? It seemed from her tweets that perhaps one of her brothers was sick or worse and she seemed to have a heavy heart.
Alicia had a REALLY bad game. Some bad games in general lately. Def deserves to lose her starting spot but like you said, I think they like the spark Kizer gives them off the bench.
I do"not share your thoughts regarding Lynetta kizer this young lady for four years has avoided physical contact in the paint my exsample is in the last 1:00 min alone she avoided contact and missed the layups if she were such a go to person how did she miss those layups they would have made a difference in this game if she wew just more aggrasive in the paint at 6:4 210 ponds we could start our offense inside out useing her to free up AT more often
I was impressed with the balanced scoring and overall team effort, but disappointed that we basically gave away the game through silly turnovers and missed free throws.
Dumb turnovers. We absolutely gave them the game. 21 turnovers to their 8 and we still only lost by 2. Imagine how could this team could be if they actually took care of the ball. Scary good. But as long as they continue to be a team that turns the ball over in bunches, we will be 2nd tier--both in the ACC and nationally.
Turnovers is the name of this game and has been for the last few years with the terps. For whatever reason our turnovers have killed us year in and year out. With all those coaches and assistants one would think someone could do something to reduce this ratio. I am starting to believe it is really systemic to the womens bb team...
I agree with you Anonymous at 8:36pm. I honestly don't get it. How can this team, with different players, year in and year out turn the ball over so much. As great as the Toliver, Coleman, Lang, Harp team was, turnovers were the downfall. Now another talented group and again, turnovers our the team's main weakness. We would be an elite team, I truly believe that, but turnovers keep us from being that great team. Often we get away with it because the other team turns it over so much also. But elite teams do not consistently turn it over as much as the Terps do. I just don't get it.
The incredible stream of talent that Coach B. has delivered to College Park has yet to include a natural, elite-level point guard (think Sims & Hartley among current players).
There's a difference between a go-to player (AT) and a go-to point guard. The difference is most clearly illustrated at the end of games like this one.
As dominant as Griner is, I still believe Baylor only goes as far as Sims takes them.
Such an elite point guard is what, IMO, seperates the Terps from elite status as a team.
Thanks for a great blog, BCs! I always come here before checking out the gamer in the WAPO.
Go Terps!
I agree about Kizer - in that she just hasn't become the go to player one would like her to be. Lynetta just doesn't handle inside pressure. I really like the point made about our turnovers. For some reason people do not like to state the fact that the major problem is Barrett. Brenda said in the beginning of this year - we will go as far as our guards take us. Brenda has given Barrett the challenge and she has not done her job - yes Barrett is the problem - Moseley is already better but has not been given the opportunity because Barrett is a senior and Brene is a freshman - just think if Brene had been starting all year and where she would be now. Brene scored over 20 points in a game early in the season and makes great passes and just runs the team with a flair - certainly she would make some turnovers as she adjusts to the college game but she would also take us to another level. Thanks again for all your efforts.
I agree on our PG play. Our PG play is grade C plus most of the time. It is a major weakness. I did think Barrett actually played one of her better games against Miami on Sunday. Minus the first and last 4 mintues of the game. Mosely I think has a greater potential. Her turnovers though need to be corrected. Mosely is a greater scoring threat though and that helps to strech the defense. Toliver could get away with a lot of those turnovers because she could score and stretch the defense. In the end though, even Toliver's turnovers cost the Terps--elite 8--no final 4 (minus the championship season).
I also think that in the end Baylor goes only as far as Simms takes them. All we have to do is look at CT and see the elite PG's that have come and gone from that school and then look at CT's record over the years. And of course, there is Diggens. PG's are key to any team normally. (TN's struggles this year I think are related to there sub par PG play minus last night) Heck, look at the Mystics and the absense of Lindsay Harding, an elite PG.
Totally agree with Anonymous at 8:36 & 8:44. Also, any parallel drawn between elite teams and our team must include a discussion on defense. Elite teams play tough defense because elite coaches DEMAND it! Our coaches, not so much. And our players know it, so they're comfortable taking defense off in order to focus their energy on offense. What a shame! Especially since most truly elite recruits (PGs included) are looking to play on a team that defends in order to have a real shot at playing their way into the Final Four rather than just having a "winning" season by outscoring most teams.
Graham Hays @ ESPN must be following these comments!? ;)
http://espn.go.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7573452/anjale-barrett-only-wants-make-maryland-terrapins-better
What is the common thread in all of the Terp losses thus far this season? An opposing player has produced a career scoring night. Duke a Fwd, Miami a Guard, VT a Guard and Miami a Guard. So I agree that defense, especially perimeter or lack of is the greater problem and turnovers only make matters worse.
Yeah, I saw G Hayes article and had to laugh. Sorry, but I don't agree with his article. Yes, perimeter D has been a big issue and turnovers have been awful. Sounds like a theme with any Terps team though. I actually think this Terps team has a better D than year's passed though. But hard to overlook one player always being able to light them up. I always thought Mincy was a good defender but my boyfriend said at the Miami game that he thought she was actually a pretty bad defender. I'm not sure what to think.
4 games to go. Go Terps. Play D, cut down on the turnovers and they win out. If not, they could lose all of them. The Terps really do have to toughest ACC schedule.
Did you guys hear the Mystics signed Laura Harper? Thoughts?
I hope Laura plays well for the Mystics. I haven't seen her play in a very long time. I'm not sure what impact it has on the team--good or bad. She is playing with Mo overseas so that could be good. They will know each other--where they like the ball, etc.
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