Greensboro, N.C.—The Maryland Terrapins (9-4) played a complete ball game Sunday afternoon, on the way to their most thorough of victories as they completely dominated UNC-Greensboro (2-11) 97-63.

 

Throughout the current season, Maryland has been criticized for displaying a lack of intensity in losses and a lack of urgency in wins. Sunday, however, the team jumped out to an early and aggressive start and never looked back.

Led by senior guard Greivis Vasquez, Maryland’s defense was the catalyst to a hot offensive start that only intensified as the game wore on. Maryland was 9 of 10 from the field at the 14 minute mark of the first half and Vasquez was perfect on his three shot attempts during that stretch, thanks in large part to a couple of steals and fastbreak layups.

Even with Maryland’s hot shooting, UNC-Greensboro was only down six, 20-14. But in an encouraging sign for Coach Gary Williams both Dino Gregory and Jordan Williams fought extremely hard to establish themselves in the paint, starting on the defensive end.

Williams and Gregory turned away shot after shot in the paint to spark multiple Maryland fast breaks. On the offensive end, both battled hard for offensive rebounds, in certain instances even against one another.

With about 11 minutes in the first half, Coach Williams put Gregory and Williams in the game together. Greensboro was down 22-29 and looking to make a run. After Williams altered a shot attempt in the paint by a Greensboro player and Maryland gained possession, Gregory and Williams each fought for a series of Maryland offensive rebounds, alternating attempts at the rim until Williams was finally corralled and a jump ball was called which granted Maryland possession.

Williams finished with six offensive rebounds and he and Gregory combined for a total of 19 rebounds for the game.

Following the possession, which ended in two Vasquez free throws to make the score 31-22, Maryland began to build on the tough defense they established at the beginning of the game by applying some full-court pressure to Greensboro.

Maryland’s full-court pressure immediately resulted in three steals and a 10-2 run in a 1:21 span.

The Terps ended the half holding Greensboro to 28% from the field while shooting 58% on the way to grabbing a lead of 52-34.

In the second half, Maryland did something that no one has seen from them all season; they put the game away early and convincingly. Maryland opened the half on a 21-7 run to go up 73-41.

Exciting for everyone in black and red Sunday afternoon was witnessing Vasquez break out of his season long slump to the tune of 24 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Vasquez has put up decent numbers at times this season but this was the first game that he has sustained a high level of execution from start to finish.

Led by Vasquez’s play and senior forward Landon Milbourne’s intensity (22 points, seven rebounds), the Terps played the entire game as if they were behind, even when they were up by 40, the team played as if it was a point away from grabbing the lead.

The guards were defending and running hard the entire game, even up 92-48 Jordan Williams was on the floor diving for a loose rebound, and of course, Coach Williams was still up and down the sidelines teaching and coaching.

Maryland is finally looking focused as they get ready to begin ACC play at home versus Florida State on January 10.