Freshmen make impact in win over Hurricanes
Three Maryland freshmen played major roles in Tuesday’s come-from-behind 75-70 win over Miami, leading coach Mark Turgeon to assert that the Terrapins were “learning to win.”
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The physical ability of Alex Len, Ashton Pankey and Nick Faust is well-documented. But their emergence in clutch situations Tuesday night was an indication of their growth and bodes well for the immediate and long-term future of the program.
Maryland’s comeback wouldn’t have been possible without a sudden turnaround from Len (eight points, four rebounds, two blocks), who was missing in action in a blowout loss at Virginia on Saturday and continued his disappearing act in the first half Tuesday. But in the final 13:40, Len scored four baskets that kept Maryland in the game.
At the end of the game, Pankey (six points, seven rebounds) and Faust (eight points, eight rebounds, four assists) made key defensive stops, sandwiched around the go-ahead three-point play by James Padgett with 44 seconds left.
First, Pankey blocked a shot, then ran it down, emerging from a scrum with the ball. On Miami’s next possession, Faust picked the pocket of Miami junior Durand Scott, creating a turnover that demoralized the Hurricanes.
“I knew he wanted to attack and get to the bucket. He’s a great skill player,” Faust said. “I anticipated the crossover. I knew it was coming.”
During his debut season, Faust’s most impressive feats have come thanks to his blinding first step and speed in the open floor. An example came Tuesday night when he blew past the backpedaling Miami defense for a breakneck breakaway basket. But the play that said the most about Faust’s progression came when he hoodwinked the veteran Scott.
Len has had awe-inspiring moments as well, dominating portions of games, especially at the defensive end. But when he has faced a tough matchup, started poorly or incurred early foul trouble, Len has rarely shown the wherewithal to adjust and recover. Tuesday, however, was an exception as the 7-foot-1 center rose in the second half against the Hurricanes’ sizable frontcourt duo of 6-11 Kenny Kadji and 6-10 Reggie Johnson.
Focus, consistency and a lack of aggression have held back Pankey, who has drifted in and out of Turgeon’s doghouse after beginning the year in the starting lineup. On Tuesday night, however, the 6-9 Pankey contributed rugged work inside, helping make it a long night for Johnson, who was limited to four rebounds and a season-low three points. Pankey was rewarded with playing time, reaching 30 minutes for just the second time since November.
When Maryland (16-11, 6-7) travels to Georgia Tech (9-18, 2-11) on Saturday, the Terps will look for more positive signs from the freshmen.
“I definitely think this is a win that will carry over,” Faust said. “We’re showing how we can win as a team, how we can overcome.”
