The Terps dispatched Northwood University 104-60 at Comcast Center. The undersized Terrapins were without Greivis Vasquez who sat out the game for violating team rules. The game also marked the debut of Jin Soo Kim. He was declared academically eligible earlier in the week. He appeared to have a little Mario Lucas from yester years in his hands. During one stretch of playing time in the first half the ball hit his hands and a shot was soon fired up. His second half results were much better as he finished the game with 20 points and he immediately became a fan favorite.
As the game unfolded the Terps found themselves taking control early and didn't look back. At times the offense sputtered. The team mainly comprised of guards settled for jump shots with few screens or post up game from forwards down low. It wasn't until later in the second half that Dupree exerted his low post game.
It was a good tune up for the team to learn how to win and play without much help from graduating seniors mainly in the forward positions. At times, the Terps found themselves giving up easy lay ins off the glass and must maintain focus on team rebounding to be successful in the ACC. There aren't any Northwood's on the ACC schedule. With so much talent in the back court, few teams will be pressuring the ball up court. The best of both worlds occurred at Comcast Center. The Terps practiced their half court set plays and won handily against a team they should beat.
There may be some ups and downs during the season, but there's plenty of talent. Bowie increased his shooting range from a season ago and Tucker still is the master of the silky smooth scoop shot and jump shot. Milbourne also looked more confident in the offense after another year on the team.
There were also few if any periods were the team failed to execute the offense when Hayes distributed the ball. Hopefully the teams can find ways to continue to team rebound to transition into a running game and easy baskets. As the team's first outing it went quickly and before fans knew it, the game was over with a resounding win. A blow out so early in the season was few and far between in the previous season's that boasted a much stronger and deeper front court. The weight of the season will be on Hayes and Vasquez this season.
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