The Maryland Terps got off to a dominating start in the opener. The 85-67 win over ODU gave us some insight into how will play this season.
Maryland was led by Eric Ayala perfect day. Ayala scored 19 points on 6-6 shooting from the floor and 4-4 from the free throw line. When asked about his shooting, Ayala said “I’ve been shooting it pretty well in our practices.”
Four Terps finished the game with double figures.
Maryland broke the game open in the first half with a 12-0 run that turned a one point game into a 13 point lead. Terps would lead by that amount at halftimes.
In the second half, Maryland started off the half with an 11-3 run and never looked back. “From the 10 minute mark of the first half to the seven minute mark of the second half, we were terrific,” said head coach Mark Turgeon.
Key Takeaways
Halfcourt Defense
Maryland’s lack of size is going to be a conversation all season but they are more than making up for it with their perimeter defense. They forced ODU to take several shots at the end of the shot clock most, if not all, were contested. The real question comes what happens when a team comes in with effective size but, for now, the Terps have to be happy with the performance
Ball Movement
Assists aren’t always an indicator of ball movement and today is a perfect example. Maryland had 13 assists on 30 made shots and that doesn’t do the ball movement justice. Maryland reversed the ball into advantageous situations on offense. Darryl Morsell’s penetration opened the court for his teammates. By breaking down the defense, even when the Terps missed the shot, they would get the offensive rebounds (10). It led to 20 second chance points.
Transfers
Galin Smith and Jarius Hamilton played their first game as Terps. Smith was impressive in just a shade under 20 minutes. H six points and grabbed four rebounds. Most of all, he looked comfortable. Hamilton (1-7 from the field) was a little different. He looked like a player still trying to get comfortable with where his offense should come from. Ayala was hot all game and Aaron Wiggins had a strong second half. With time, Hamilton and the Terps will have to find a way to get him more impactful in the offense.
