Maryland breezes past New Hampshire, 82-55
By: DAVID GINSBURG
AP Sports Writer
November 20, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, MD. — A convincing win over New Hampshire put No. 25 Maryland in the proper frame of mind for a business trip to Hawaii.
Landon Milbourne scored a career-high 24 points, and the Terrapins cruised to an 82-55 victory Friday night in their final tuneup for the Maui Invitational.
Sophomore guard Sean Mosley had 13 points and a personal-best 10 assists for his first career double-double, and Eric Hayes scored 15 for Maryland (3-0). After three straight blowouts at home, the Terrapins head to Hawaii to play three games in three days, beginning Tuesday.
"We've been playing really well on the defensive end for the most part and the offense is getting better, so these three (home) games definitely got us ready," said Hayes, who went 4 for 5 from the field and made all four of his free throws.
Freshman Jordan Williams, who had eight points and seven rebounds, appreciated opening his career with three games in a familiar arena before taking his first trip to Hawaii.
"It took me a while to get used the atmosphere and speed of the game, but I'm comfortable now," he said.
Led by Milbourne, Maryland never trailed against New Hampshire (1-1). The 6-foot-7 senior forward dunked, drove the lane, scored off his only steal and went 2 for 2 beyond the arc.
"He can score inside, he can score outside," coach Gary Williams said. "He's just a good player."
The Terrapins scored the first nine points, led by 18 at halftime and turned the game into a blowout with a 16-0 run that made it 67-32 with 10:45 left.
"We're a work in progress," Gary Williams said. "We're getting to be a good basketball team, but there's still a lot of work to be done. Where we are right now, it's hard to say. But we'll find out pretty quick."
Colbey Santos led the Wildcats with 14 points. New Hampshire finished with 21 turnovers compared to 18 baskets.
"Our game plan coming in was, we had to take care of the basketball and not turn it over," coach Bill Herrion said. "But they're so good in transition and they're so quick from defense to offense."
The Terrapins led 42-25 early in the second half before Milbourne scored five straight points and Greivis Vasquez added a jumper in the lane to boost the margin to 24.
Minutes later, Jordan Williams made a layup to spark Maryland's 16-point spree.
"They've got good veterans, they've got great leadership, their perimeter is very, very good," Herrion said of the Terps. "They're going to have a good year."
The Terrapins got 13 points from Milbourne, forced 13 turnovers and limited the Wildcats to 26 percent shooting in taking a 40-22 halftime lead.
New Hampshire had five turnovers and three missed shots in its opening eight possessions while Hayes and Milbourne teamed to score the game's first nine points. It was 24-12 before Vasquez scored on a drive, Mosley converted a three-point play and Hayes sank a 3-pointer to put the Terps up by 20.
Maryland played without forward Dino Gregory, who has been suspended until Dec. 12 for violating team policy, and center Steve Goins, who served a one-day suspension for not adhering to the class attendance policy.
