Five observations from Maryland’s 73-67 win over Florida Gulf Coast.
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Zone and press haunt Maryland. The Terps struggled against the full-court pressure of Florida Gulf Coast and against the Eagles’ zone. Until they solve it, the Terrapins can expect to see more of both. Pressing depleted Maryland makes sense. Terrell Stoglin (35 minutes), Sean Mosley (35 minutes) and Nick Faust (34 minutes) are the primary ball-handlers. “We’re limited on numbers,” Maryland coach Mark Turgeon said. “We had all four of our guards out there, trying to match-up on them. They got tired.” Against the zone, Maryland hit four of 13 three-pointers (30.8 percent), close to its rate for the season (30.7 percent), which ranks No. 244 in the nation. The only ACC teams worse are Georgia Tech (30.6) and Boston College (30.2).
No shot for Faust. While playing a solid floor game with eight points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks, freshman Faust continued to struggle with his shooting. He took 12 shots, hitting three – two dunks and a layup. For the season, Faust has made 10 of 38 shots (26 percent), including three of 16 from the arc (19 percent). Faust has shown no mid-range game. Of the 10 shots he has hit, all but one has been a dunk, a layup, or a 3-pointer.
No pass for Stoglin. In 35 minutes, the Terp who dominates the ball the ball the most, Stoglin, had zero assists to go along with his 24 points. It was a mixed bag performance. Stoglin had only one turnover, but missed six of eight free throws over the final 75 seconds, keeping FGC in the game. Maryland coach Mark Turgeon was mostly pleased with Stoglin’s work. “He makes plays no one else can make,” Turgeon said. “I thought offensively Terrell was pretty good … Most of his stuff was what we were trying to do as a team. He’s just gotta guard better.” Maryland still had a season-high 13 assists, including three each from Mosley and Mychal Parker.
Weijs in Pankey out. After starting the first four games, leading Maryland in rebounds (35) and blocks (five) and shooting .500, 6-9 redshirt freshman Ashton Pankey was on the bench to begin Friday’s game. He finished with a quiet three points and three rebounds in 17 minutes. Senior Berend Weijs, who started in Pankey’s place, had seven points and three rebounds in 18 minutes. “Every day’s different with my post guys,” Turgeon said. “Berend’s giving me everything he has every day. That’s why I rewarded him. He’s trying as hard as he can try.”
Rotational duty for Auslander? Is former walk-on John Auslander (Herndon) ready for regular minutes? The 6-foot-7 sophomore came into Friday’s game averaging five minutes per game. But against Florida Gulf Coast, Auslander hit his first three shots, including two mid-range jumpers and played 20 minutes, more than any other frontcourt player. He finished with six points. Guard Jonathan Thomas (Tuscarora), who has played more than any walk-on (8.7 minutes per game), hit a three-pointer that put Maryland up for good, 14-11, capping the run that Auslander started.
