Offensive rebounds prove big in win over Wake Forest The propensity for Maryland junior James Padgett to grab offensive rebounds has been a peculiar statistical sidebar through the first two months of the season. On Wednesday night, however, Padgett’s unique skill was instrumental in providing the Terrapins a big ACC victory.
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With Wake Forest closing fast in Maryland’s ACC home opener, Padgett corralled two offensive boards in the final six minutes and turned them into points, helping the Terps repel the Demon Deacons 70-64 before 13,357 at Comcast Center.
On a night when Maryland (11-4, 1-1 ACC) saw an 18-point lead whittled to three, its heroes included sophomore Terrell Stoglin (20 points) and senior Sean Mosley (15 points). But no one’s contributions were more timely than those of Padgett (11 points, eight rebounds).
“A lot of it is desire,” said Padgett, who has 63 offensive rebounds to 33 defensive boards this season. “People try to box you out, and they don’t know if you’re coming or moving.”
While Padgett lifted his game in the second half, freshman Ashton Pankey (nine points, nine rebounds) did similar work before intermission. The duo got their numbers in a combined 40 minutes.
“It was huge. Pankey in the first half and Padgett in the second half,” Maryland coach Mark Turgeon said. “Those guys are good players. They’re playing with confidence, and they keep getting better.”
Stoglin’s work came from off the bench. For the second time this season, he was held out of the starting lineup, another attempt by Turgeon to send a message to the ACC scoring leader. He checked into the game before it was two minutes old.
“I’m trying to make Terrell a man. His parents are on board with it,” Turgeon said. “There are responsibilities outside of basketball you have to do. We’ll see if it helps him.”
Padgett stepped up after Wake Forest freshman Chase Fischer hit a 3-pointer to make it 58-54. Padgett grabbed a Stoglin miss and missed a layup try of his own before corralling the rebound and scoring. Moments later, Padgett hit four free throws on consecutive possessions, giving Maryland a 63-56 lead with 2:46 left and the cushion it needed.
