66 - 42 Maryland (13-7, 3-3) routed Virginia (11-9, 2-4) Thursday, marking the Terps' biggest win ever in Charlottesville. Despite losing 3 of their last 4 games @ UVA, the Terps were able to win this one handily. Even though UVA lacks an inside presence, Jordan Williams' 13 game double-double streak was snapped.
The game started out very ugly. Suffocating defense forced Virginia to shoot 35% from the field in the first half. However, the Terps weren't much better at 40%. UVA jumped out to a 12-17 lead, but the Terps went on a 14-1 run, giving them a 26-18 lead. Maryland would go into halftime with a 26-21 lead. Unfortunately for the Cavaliers, the 2nd half wouldn't be nearly as competitive.
Early in the 2nd half, Adrian Bowie scored 7 straight points sparking a 11-3 Maryland run. UVA kept the deficit at around 10, until Bowie added a steal and a three point play. After Bowie's play, the Terps didn't look back. The Terps out scored UVA 24-10 in the final 11:31, and the game ended 64-42.
Bowie was just unbelievable tonight. He finally showed his senior leadership, stepping up in a must win game. He scored a season high 22, and played his best game of the season. This marked Bowie's 5th straight game scoring in double digits. Cliff Tucker also played well, scoring 13 points. Tucker went back to the bench after starting against Virginia Tech, and continued his solid play. Tucker is now showing how consistent he can be, despite his past 3 inconsistent seasons.
Sean Mosley was invisible tonight. Mosley pulled down 5 rebounds, but did not score. Mosley has been dysfunctional on offense this year, a year where Sean was suppose to step up. However, if Mosley can contribute offensively, this team could become very dangerous. Dino Gregory continued to play great basketball. He added 8 points going 4 for 6 from the field. Gregory has been the best senior this year by far.
Jordan Williams had his double-double streak broken, but he was still able to contribute. Williams pulled down 6 boards, and dished out 3 assists. However, give credit to UVA center Assane Sene. He was very good tonight both rebounding, and playing defense. Even against good defense, dominant force like Williams can force a team to leave others open. Whether Williams scores or not, he is still far and away the most important player on the offensive end.
Both Pe'Shon Howard and Terrell Stoglin had great games tonight. Howard especially showed out, scoring 9 points going 4 for 5 from the field. He also added a key three pointer, 3 boards, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Not to mention that Howard didn't turn the ball over tonight, something he had been struggling with lately. This was the best I've seen Howard play this season. Stoglin was also solid, scoring 7. He also dished out 3 assists and only committed one turnover. It looks like this freshman duo is starting to catch fire.
The Terps played fantastic defense tonight, holding Virgina to 42 points (a season low). The Cavaliers only shot 33% from the field, and 24% from three point range. UVA was a tough match up, because they start 4 guards and stretch the court very well. Usually, UVA shoots 39% from three, so give the Terps credit for shutting them down.
The shooting tonight was very good. The Terps shot 54% from the field, and 47% from three. If Maryland can shoot this efficiently, they will be able to find a compliment for Jordan Williams' inside game. With good shooting, this team could be doing some damage later this season.
Despite an ugly first half, the Terps played very well. I thought this was the best ACC game Maryland has played all season. UVA is a tough team to play, having beaten good teams like Minnesota and almost beating a great Duke team. The Terps were able to take it to the Cavaliers on the road in what was a must win game. I love the senior leadership the big 3 are finally showing. UVA may be bad, but the Terps will have to continue to play this well to beat the the good teams in the ACC.
The Terps will go to Atlanta to take on a hot Georgia Tech team. This will be another huge game for the Terps. With a win over the Jackets, Maryland will go into the Duke game with a 3 game win streak.
