A mixed bag for Terps in setback at Clemson
After dismantling four straight teams, Maryland had its worst game of the year Sunday at Clemson. The Terps registered a season low in field goal shooting (34.6 percent), points (53), and assists (8), while ringing up a season-high 26 turnovers.
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As Maryland (14-7, 4-2) heads into February in second place in the ACC, what is one to make of Sunday’s debacle?
The Good
Freshman Jordan Williams (13 points, 13 rebounds) continues to blossom. The 6-foot-10, 260-pound center hit four of five shots from the floor, five of six from the line, and had two blocks Sunday.
Williams has been solid defensively. On Sunday, he had much to do with the Terps limiting Clemson’s top scorer, Trevor Booker, to two field goals in 16 attempts. On Monday, Williams was named ACC Rookie of the Week, the first Terp to receive the honor since Greivis Vasquez in 2007.
“He’s a quick learner. He’s getting better every week,” said Maryland coach Gary Williams. “If he keeps where he is and just keeps working hard, he’s going to be special.”
Conclusion » With their confidence in Williams growing, expect the Terps to feed the post more often in February. It will keep defenses from attacking the guards.
The Bad
Maryland’s 26 turnovers were six more than it had in any other game this season. Vasquez had nine of the miscues, his career high, and did it in just 29 minutes due to foul trouble. When Eric Hayes (5 turnovers) took over the point, it only got worse.
“They were physical,” said Williams. “We didn’t handle it well. We’ve got things we can do in those situations. We’ll see that again this year.”
Conclusion » This game was an anomaly. With three good ball-handlers in the lineup, Maryland is equipped to deal with pressure, and leads the ACC in turnover margin and assist/turnover ratio. Throw out those numbers, however, when teams get the combustible Vasquez off kilter. The Terps are 0-4 when Vasquez has committed five or more turnovers.
The Ugly
The Terps had their share of crooked shots Sunday, hitting just two of 10 from beyond the arc, but it was their inability to convert inside that was crucial. In the frenetic-paced game, easy shots were plentiful, but the Terps made only four of their last 17 layups and 18 of 31 overall (41 percent). The previous game against Miami, the Terps made 15 of 25 layups (60 percent).
The primary offenders Sunday were forward Landon Milbourne, who hit one of eight shots overall, Vasquez (3 of 11), and reserve guards Adrian Bowie and Cliff Tucker, who were a combined one of nine.
Conclusion » Maryland leads the ACC in field goal shooting (48.1 percent). The Terps have been outstanding when they’ve had the lead, but have struggled when trying to rally. In the last eight minutes Sunday, they missed nine of 10 shots from the floor.
The key in February: Stay in front.
