Maryland has had a rough go of it to start the season.
The Terps were pretty much dominated by Georgetown. They were blown out by Alabama and Gonzaga. They shot the lights out against Michigan and still managed to lose by 18.
It’s why heading to Charlottesville to face 23rd-ranked Virginia didn’t look promising, especially without Pharrel Payne.
Head coach Buzz Williams summoned a game plan that matched Virginia’s physical nature. The Cavaliers have shocked opponents with their rough and tumble nature while making the game a track meet. Williams took a short-handed Terps team and gave played the Cavaliers like an old-school 15 round championship fight.
For much of the first half, Maryland was winning the fight, but the Cavaliers would close the half on a 13-0 run to lead 24-19 at halftime. (there’s no truth to the rumor that there wasn’t a shot clock)
Despite the bad ending to the first half, the Terps had held Virginia to 27% shooting, forced 11 fouls, and was only minus-one in the rebounding department.
The Cavaliers extended the end of the half 13-0 run into a 17-0 run. That was broken by a Diggy Coit three-pointer. Unfortunately, those were his first points of the game.
The Terps took the early punch and fought back. Andre Mills’ three-pointer tied the game at 33 and Coit’s two free throws gave Maryland the lead back.
Virginia quickly answered with a 10-0 run. A few minutes later, Jacari White, the resident three-point shooter, put the ball on the floor and literally dunked it on Soloman Washington’s head, leading to a three-point play. Virginia’s run grew to 15-2.
The Terps would fall behind by as much as 16 and wouldn’t threaten again in the 80-72 loss.
Leaders:
Points
Diggy Coit (UMD) 15
Dallin Hall (UVA) 20
Rebounds
Soloman Washington (UMD) 12
Johann Grünloh (UVA) 8
Assists
Diggy Coit (UMD) 6
Chance Mallory and Dallin Hall (UVA) 6
Notes:
Virginia outscored Maryland in the paint 44-12
Dallin Hall scored a season-high 20 points
Soloman Washington had a season-high 12 rebounds
