The Terps fell today 67-59 in consecutive non-conference losses at Comcast Center for the first time during Gary's tenure at MD. AU showed great determination and energy as Vasquez and Hayes showed up for MD scoring 28 and 16 points respectively.
The Terps bench was outscored 20-4 by AU's bench. Gist was in foul trouble and eventually fouled out of the game, but the Terps are still looking to find themselves and more concerning is their half court defense which couldn't seem to slow down the offense of Eagles.
The Terps lack the scoring necessary to establish their trapping defense. As a result, the Terps are finding few easy scoring chances. Milbourne has potential down the road, but the most immediate boost and need Md has is another scoring threat which could be filled by Tucker. He has the ability to slash to the basket and shoot or dish combined with a nice jump shot. He also plays solid defense.
Just as Hayes has taken more of the ball handling duties away from Vasquez to free him up for more scoring, Tucker would free both of them up and provide another scoring threat. Bringing Milbourne off of the bench for defense and some slight scoring could only help the sagging scoring for the starters.
A starting unit of Gist, Osby, Vasquez (at the #3), Tucker, and Hayes with Dupree and Milbourne coming off the bench would be a good short bench. This would allow Vasquez and Hayes to start the game together, but have at least one of them on the court at all times and have Dupree in the rotation for the front court.
What was puzzling was Neal shooting three pointers during the game. I know that he's recovering from the shoulder injury and is playing his way back into shape, but at what point is a long jumper by Neal with plenty of time on the clock the best scoring option? Neal should only be shooting under the basket or with time set to expire and the ball in his hand. Seeing Neal shoot threes would be like seeing Ekezie shoot threes. Much like J. Peterman said when seeing the Golden Sombrero on the cover of his magazine while he was lost in the mountains and discovered by Elaine, "the horror!"
Hopefully the Terps rebound after the break, shorten their bench, and re-define some responsibilities to improve their scoring woes. If AU can dampen their offense with a zone defense then the Terps are plenty sure to see more of it in ACC play.
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