If Qudus Wahab’s first two games in a Maryland uniform is an indication of what’s to come then the Big Ten better watch out.
The former Georgetown Hoya would go for 18 points and 15 rebounds in Maryland’s 71-64 win over George Washington.
The game tipped off at 6:30 start and it looked like both teams shooting was stuck in the same beltway traffic I was stuck in.
The first half was close as both teams started slow from the field. Maryland started the game shooting 4-14 while the Colonials shot 4-12.
But eventually the offenses picked up with Joe Bamisile scoring 8 of George Washington’s first 14 points. He would finish the half with 16 points.
The Terps shooting woes were being cleaned up by Qudus Wahab. Wahab would go for 10 points with 9 rebounds in the first half including a thunderous dunk right before half.
The Colonials would lead at halftime, 30-29.
The Terps would start the half off with a 8-0 run behind a layup from Hakim Hart followed by a layup from Fatts Russell and two Wahab free throws and dunk.
Ricky Lindo Jr. would lead a charge for George Washington that would cut the Terps lead down to 37-36 after Maryland pushed the lead to seven points.
The Terps offense continued to pick up and an Ian Martinez three pointer would push the Terps lead to 49-41.
Fatts Russell would push the Terps lead to 12 (65-53) on a three point play.
The Colonials would mount one last charge cutting the lead to two, 66-64, with 2:18 left on a James Bishop three pointer. They had a chance to tie it with 1:10 left but a Brendan Adams three pointer rimmed out.
Clinging to a three point lead, Fatts Russell would seal the game when he hit a three over Bishop with 44 seconds left.
Notes:
- Joe Bamisile would finish with 20 points and 8 rebounds
- Maryland outscored GW 17-6 in second chance points
- Both Wahab (15) and Donta Scott (10) had double digit rebounds
