Vermont Pushes MD to OT
Maryland was pushed to OT by Vermont in an 89-74 Terps win at Comcast Center. Vasquez nailed a clutch three pointer to force overtime in a game that shouldn't have been this close on paper, by history, and power rankings, but the Terps can't take any team lightly on the schedule or they could face far worse than OT.
The starting lineup included Dupree, Milbourne, Tucker, Vasquez, and Hayes. By the end of the game and only a few games into the season the Terps discovered what lineup should be starting the game. Four minutes into the game the Terps looked as sharp as they had all season as they built a lead. Hayes exited the game and shortly after about mid way through the first half the game tightened up. This also occurred at the end of the first half. With a little over a minute to go Hayes was substituted out of the game with a nine point lead that was quickly trimmed down to a two point lead due to poor shot selection and decision making on offense.
Dupree's minutes were limited in the second half due to ineffective play in the first half. The ball constantly bounced off his hands from rebounds and passes. Milbourne may have racked up 13 points, but it was Hayes steady play and the heart of Vasquez and Bowie that helped Maryland recover late in the game. The smaller Vasquez and Bowie showed tremendous heart driving the lane among the giants and not shying away from the contact as opposed to Milbourne who despite his taller stature is willing to settle for a spot up jump shot or fade away.
The Terps down late in the game fought back with tough defense and a timely three pointer by Dave Neal late to draw closer leading up to Vasquez game tying shot to force OT. Fans in attendance were pounding the stands in the student section and screaming their hearts out as evident by the fans sitting two rows back.
Milbourne had fouled out with about a minute left in the game forcing a rotation of Bowie, Hayes, & Vasquez in the three guard backcourt. With all three willing to penetrate and take and make some tough jump shots the game turned as the Terps went on a 17-0 run to start OT and walk away with the win. This rotation could be the starting lineup going forward with scoring guard Tucker providing a spark off of the bench. Forwards Bourney and Gregory were active along the boards which helped turn the game around. The come from behind victory was Gary Williams 400th win.
