Md Stuns Ga Tech With Last Second Shot (Twice)

With 1.5 seconds left in the game, the Terrapin's Junior reserve guard Cliff Tucker dropped a thunderous game winning three point shot to seal a 76-74 victory for MD. The Yellow Jackets appeared deflated and dejected after witnessing two game winning shots by the Terps in last three seconds of the game. Cliff Tucker's game wining shot, the second game winning basket by MD in the waning seconds of the game, was his coming out party for the rest of the college basketball nation.

After the Yellow Jackets Frazor put back a missed shot for Georgia Tech, Greivis Vasquez ran down the court and banked in a 3 Pt shot over half court for the win with 3 seconds to go in the game or so everyone thought. The officials had acknowledged a time out by MD before the shot by Vasquez was taken. .9 seconds were left on the game clock until the officials reviewed the play and placed 1.5 seconds on the clock for MD and placed the inbounds behind the half court line.

Credit Gary Williams with a great cocaching decision. During the time out a play was chosen to run for one of the team's most unlikely player's to anyone that doesn't follow the Terps. Tucker excels in a transition game, on the free throw line, and even knocking down jump shots consistantly even when coming off the bench cold.

What some around the nation may not know is that earlier in Tucker's time at MD when his playing time diminished and his spot in the rotation coming off the bench was not so secure he contimplated leaving MD. Coach Williams had the confidence and trusted Tucker to take the final shot while all eyes would be focusing on Vasquez for the final shot or to Hayes. An elated Tucker could be seen running across Comcast Center while Yellow Jackets were stunned and motionless in disbelief.

The game itself had no tempo or flow due to the uneven and inconsistent officiating for both teams. MD would push a lead up to five only to have a series of calls go against them drawing the game closer. This game provided a good test for MD as the NCAA Tournament approaches. MD was able to prove itself against both a physically dominating team as well as the officiating. It was no luck that MD hit two critical shots to end the game. MD earned the right to call themselves the better team. Ga Tech gave MD what it needed most. They gave the Terps a mental and physical challenge in a tight game. The excat type of games the Terps will encounter in March.

The Terps now 9-3 in the ACC look in far better shape than just one year ago. What's changed from a year ago is the presence of forward/center Jordan Williams (9 points 12 rebounds vs. Ga Tech) with his low post skills and workman like presence.

Gary Williams coaching hasn't changed as he always coaches to put his team in the best possible postion no matter the talent. Gary Williams noticed the battle on the boards was tilting to the Yellow Jackets and inserted a bigger and more successful line up that included both Gregory and Williams playing together in place of starter Milbourne. Terps fans may see more of this line up to secure more rebounds and limit the possessions of other teams while also inserting another shot blocker that could aid the transition game too.

Maryland must maintain their success with their final remaining games on the schedule. With games versus Clemson, Duke, Virginia, and Virginia Tech, the Terps still have some work left to better their seeding in March. The selection committe doesn't like to see teams limp into the tournament, so seeding is on the line. With games against teams in the top half the the ACC remaining, Maryland will be well prepared for March and could be peaking at the right time.