Improved perimeter game key as Virginia enters College Park for ACC showdown
By Sean Welsh
Maryland’s small lineup has been effective on the defensive end of the court, where the Terrapins rank third in the Atlantic Coast Conference in scoring defense.
But offensively, Maryland needs to improve its mid- and long-range shooting in order to keep opposing teams honest against its three-guard lineup.
“I think each team tries to do what they’re best at; they’re not going to change until you can prove your way is better than their way,” Maryland coach Gary Williams said. “We have to shoot the ball well. I think we’ll have the advantage if we can shoot better. Our defense and our pressure have been good enough.”
The Terrapins allow just 62.7 points per game, but their 72.5 points-per-game average ranks them ninth in the 12-team conference offensively. Coming off two straight road losses, the Terrapins could use some home cooking tonight to improve their league-worst 41.7 field goal percentage.
“We’ve been close on the road,” Williams said. “We didn’t get the wins, but at the same time, I think our club feels if we can shoot the ball a little better, we could have gotten both of those games.”
Maryland (12-5 overall, 1-2 ACC) faces a must-win game tonight at 8 when Virginia (7-7, 1-2 ACC) visits Comcast Center. Not only does Maryland return home after a two-game stay in Florida, where it lost to Miami and Florida State, but it gains the advantage of having Virginia out of its comfort zone.
Because of the Inauguration Day traffic and logistical issues of traveling through the nation’s capital for a game, Virginia arrived in Maryland Sunday night. But the Cavaliers won’t arrive in College Park until today.
Virginia coach Dave Leitao said the school began searching for a hotel as soon as the ACC released the schedule before the season. “We’re not as close as I’d like to be to the university,” he said.
Virginia’s one advantage is in freshman Sylven Landesberg, who is sixth in the ACC in scoring at 17.3 points per game despite a two-point, 1-for-9 shooting performance in a 83-61 loss to North Carolina Jan. 15.
“He’s done a great job coming in as a freshman and averaging the points he’s done and playing with confidence,” Williams said. “I don’t think one game is going to take him off his game.”
Up next
Virginia at Maryland
When » Tonight, 8
Where » Comcast Center
TV/Radio » My20/106.7 FM
