Since the addition of point guard Pe’Shon Howard and center Alex Len, Maryland is vastly improved on defense. The proof is in the numbers.
Field Goal Shooting Defense – In their first nine games Maryland foes shot 44.7 percent overall and 34.1 percent from beyond the arc. In the last seven games, Terrapin opponents have hit 40.3 percent overall and 27.8 percent from the arc.
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Rebounding – In its first nine games Maryland out-rebounded foes by a total of seven (plus .8 per game). In its last seven games, Maryland has collected 59 more total rebounds than its opponents (plus 8.4 per game).
Turnovers Forced – Not much difference here, but still improvement from 11.0 per game in the first nine games to 12.2 in the last seven games.
Blocks – Surprisingly, not much difference here either, even with the addition of Len. The Terps blocked 4.7 per game in their first nine games and have 5.0 per game in the last seven.
Steals – Again, not much change: From 3.8 per game in their first nine to 4.0 per game in their last seven.
Defending the top scorer – The Terps have made dramatic strides here. Since the Terps reached full strength six games ago, none of the players who currently lead their respective teams in scoring has scored more than their average against Maryland. Leading scorers have tallied 26 less points than their norm, an average of minus 4.3 per game for the opponent’s top scorer.
In the 10 games before Len arrived, opposing scorers matched or exceeded their current norm in all but one game. They combined for 22 points above their average, an average of plus 2.2 per game for the opponent’s top scorer.
In recent games, the Terps have been particularly effective in shutting down the opposition’s top scorer. On Wednesday, Howard limited Wake’s C.J. Harris to 10 points, eight below his average. On Sunday, Sean Mosley held Glen Rice, Jr. to six points, 12 below his average.
What’s the Deal? Len’s 7.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 27 minutes per game have been big. But his presence seems to have had a ripple effect, making the rest of the Terps better defenders. With a shot blocker inside, the Terps can play their men tighter, which would help explain their improved defense against the 3-pointer.
Howard’s presence also gives the Terps a player best suited physically and mentally to play opposing point guards.
Another factor not to be overlooked is coach Mark Turgeon’s orientation to defense. Last year at Texas A&M, his team ranked No. 18 in the nation in point against (60.9 pg).
