Terps Vanquish Blue Devils, 94-57

Another laugher on the floor of the Comcast Center. Thank goodness game 1 went into overtime, otherwise most people would have missed the start of the game as the Terps led 23-2 at one point and from there it was all about working on our offensive sets. We led at halftime 51-16, which marked another half of us holding a team under 20 points. Angel even played in the first half.

Now it's on to play Furman, which survived a UMES run to win in overtime, 86-81.

Box Score | Game Story | Quotes

Positives

Unlike the previous games, we dominated from the start. CCSU scored a quick basket and then after that didn't score again for a while.

Crystal was back to normal. After two subpar shooting games, she made all nine shots, which matches a school record, and looked like the dominant player we all know and love.

Free Throw shooting. Drastically improved since the debacle in Fairfax.

Pressure defense. Our trap looks better and better each game. Now let's see how it works Jan. 5 in Boston.

Help defense. The ladies seem to be really understanding what the coaches are telling them about stepping in and over to prevent drives on picks.

Negatives

Turnovers. We are getting better, but there were a lot of tipped balls which could lead to steals against better teams.

The officiating. I realize we were up big, but this one ref kept calling fouls from the other side of the court.

Articles

Washington Post

Baltimore Sun

Pictures
Photo Gallery

Game #12: Central Connecticut State

The Terps return to action after a 7 day lay off to play the Blue Devils, nope not Duke, but Central Connecticut State (we have those other Blue Devils in 10 days). CCSU is 2-6 on the year and losers of 5 straight. Ironically, the only two games they have won all year were in Alaska at the Great Alaska Shootout. They did beat Arizona 69-65 in OT and that is the only common opponent.

They are basically a one-player team as Gabriella Guegbelet is averaging a double-double with 17.9 ppg and 11.8 rpg. She is also the team's tallest player at 6'. We should be able to control the boards and block a ton of shots. Look for Jade to put up another double-double and our post players to have their way with the smaller line up.

Some questions heading into the game:
1. Will Toliver play? It's getting close to ACC season and we don't need to be working out the kinks against B.C. on the road on Jan. 5.
2. Will we hold another opponent under 40 points? It would be the first time since the inaugural season that we have done this three straight times.

CCSU Game Notes | Maryland Game Notes

Remember the first game pits Furman vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore with the winner playing us tomorrow at 7.

New Polls are out and a Lady Terps Mention

Hope everyone had a great christmas break and are ready for back-to-back days of Lady Terps hoops. No real changes in the latest polls. We are still 6th in both, this time though we are no longer tied with Ohio State. Also, with the addition of Virginia Tech to the Top 25 this week, the ACC leads all conferences with 5 ranked teams.

In case you missed it George Soloman mentioned the team in his year end column, which can be read here.

Here is the excerpt:
"In College Park, Brenda Frese has coached the Maryland women to the No. 6 ranking in a turnaround that began only four years ago. The Terrapins won NCAA championships in men's soccer and women's field hockey."

Terps Rebel Against Patriots, 70-33

I didn't get to see the game as I had some last minute christmas shopping to do and then George Mason wanted $7 to watch the video so I listened to it on WMUC and watched the GameTracker. It was another ho-hum victory where we kept it close early on and then used a run to put it away. Angel got in the game with five minutes left and I think she has become our "human victory cigar"

A few notes:

No Toliver again, I hope this leg issue gets healthy by Jan. 5

Aurelie also missed the game to go spend time with her family in France.

Fewest points given up since Dec. 4, 1996

First time since 1975 with back-to-back games of holding the opponent under 40

Game Story | Box Score

Positives

More balanced scoring. Shay and Crystal were both held under 10 points, so Newman and Coleman took over. Newman matched a career-high with 21 points before leaving the game due to a hard foul. Coleman has become this year's super frosh finishing with 20 and 10 boards.

Defense. Anytime you hold a team under 50 its impressive, but under 35 even better. This has been back to back solid efforts on the defensive end, especially since the offense wasn't clicking.

Three-point shooting. Another game at 45%, which really helps when teams double-down on Crystal, Jade and Harper. What's even better is that when Newman goes cold then Shay or Marissa knock it down from behind the arc.

Negatives

Rebounding. Yes, we outrebounded them by 14, but it sounded like we let Mason get too many second and third opportunities. One possession they grabbed four straight (they missed all the shots, but Duke and B.C. won't miss). This was a small team and we should have come close to doubling them up.

Turnovers. Another game close to 20. I realize Toliver is out, but Shay has to take better control of the ball if she is going to play the point.

Free Throw Shooting. We gave away 14 points tonight. Hopefully this was just a mirage.

Articles

Washington Post

Baltimore Sun

Pictures

Terps Mentioned on the Tony Kornheiser Show

Don't know how many of you listen to SportsTalk980, but earlier today Pam Ward was on the program and began to talk to Tony about top women's programs and she mentioned Maryland. Tony said he knew about them and that they were ranked in the Top 10. He also asked about the Israeli girl (Shay to you and me) and Andy Pollin chimed in with her name.

this is a good sign. They may not talk about the team, but at least they know about us. Start calling the show and tell them thanks. Maybe we can get them to show up at a game this year.

Game #11 @ George Mason

Well it's been a while since we played a game (last Tuesday to be exact) so let's hope there is no rust as we take a rare trip to Fairfax, Va. to play the Patriots of George Mason. I expect a sparse crowd considering Mason hasn't drawn over 750 all year. We can all wave hi to C'Vette who is now sitting out the year after leaving us over the summer.

As far as Mason goes, they are 4-4 on the season with a win over Miami. They also beat Mount St. Mary's by 11. They are another small team with their biggest starter being 6'1. They have a 6'2 player who gets a lot of minutes, but aside from that their other two big people rarely play. They don't seem to shoot well from the floor, behind the arc or from the free throw line. We should handle this team like all the other non-conference teams.

The questions for the Terps tonight:

Will Ms. Toliver play or will she be held out again?

Will the lack of games affect the team?

How many players in double figures?

How many minutes will Crystal get?

If you are unable to make the game, like me possibly, you can either Listen or Watch

Maryland Game Notes | George Mason Game Notes

We're Number 6!

Like I stated last week, the OSU and Rutgers losses would help us out and they did as we moved up to 6th in the latest Associated Press Poll. Highest ranking since 1993.

Update: We are now tied for 6th in the Coaches Poll too.

Terps Featured in Capital Gazette

Here is the article in yesterday's paper: Capital Gazette

Good News, We're Moving Up

With Rutgers loss to unranked Ole Miss on Wednesday and LSU Thrasing OSU last night, the Terps should be ranked 6th when the polls come out next Monday and Tuesday. That's great for Brenda and company.

Also, let's start drumming up interest now for the Duke-Maryland game on the 8th. It could be the first Top 10 battle in Comcast in several years.

New Stat Rankings

The NCAA finally updated its stats through 12/12 and here is where we stand.

Team

1st in Scoring Offense

4th in Scoring Margin

2nd in FG Percentage

8th in Free Throw Percentage

2nd in Rebounding Margin

5th in 3FG Percentage

3rd in Assists per game

9th in Blocked Shots per game

Individuals

Langhorne, 2nd in FG percentage

Harper, 8th in blocked shots per game

Coleman, 15th in FG percentage

Doron, 15th in Assists per game

For the complete rankings go here:
Stat Rankings

More Articles

Some More Articles covering the game and Crystal

Capital Gazette

USA Today

Burlington Times

Terps Move Up to 8th in SI Power Poll

Slowly Making Progress

Terps Clip Eagles Wings, 69 -38

Well it wasn't pretty and it wasn't the offensive output I was expecting by the Terps beat another team by 30 and improved to 9-1 last night. Coppin State seemed content with not getting run out of the gym so they dribbled down the shot clock and then ran their offense. This limited our possessions and as a result limited our scoring opportunities. Another night of four players in double figures, except Crystal ended her streak.

The ladies seemed hesitant against Coppin's zone and had stupid turnovers again. Brenda and Marissa said the team is working on it, but we don't what that killing us come Jan. 5 in Boston. We need to work on the press better or apply it quicker. When it was on, Coppin turned the ball over right away. Don't know why we didn't keep it on the whole game. Also, as dominant as Crystal is she needs to learn how to pump fake. She gets blocked too easily against weaker opponents.

Other than that I was pleased with the effort we put forth on the defensive end and how we attacked the glass.

Kalika and Kristi didn't play. Kristi was dressed to play, Kalika wasn't.

Game Story | Box Score | Quotes | Notes | Photo Gallery

Articles
Baltimore Sun

Pictures

Terps Articles

Two articles today, both good reads.

Where are the fans?

Rounding Out Her Game

Game #10 - Coppin State

Today is 80's night at Comcast, so dust of those clothes from your youth and remember the days of big hair bands and denim everything. Looking at the ridiculous costumes will probably be more entertaining than tonight's game. Coppin State, who made the tournament last year, is 1-3 and they lost to Xavier by 40 (we beat Xavier by 30+). They have two 6'3 players and the rest are 6 feet or shorter. Last year we won by 32 at home, this year I am hoping we score at least 122.

I doubt we will see Toliver tonight, unless her leg problem has gotten better.

Maryland Game Notes

Terps in the National Rankings

#1 in Scoring - 94.0 ppg
#4 in Scoring Margin - 31.6
#2 in Field Goal Percentage - 52.4 (Duke is #1 at 54.1)
#2 in Rebounding Margin - 18.6
#4 in Assists per game - 20.7
#7 in Blocked Shots per game - 6.4

Crystal is #1 in FG% - 77.2

Stats Rankings

Terps Make the Front of Yahoo Sports

Check this out: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaw

Terps Move Up to 8th in the Associated Press Poll

Thanks to UNC's win over UConn last monday, the Terps move up to 8th in the latest AP poll. Don't have the actual poll yet just the story. Highest ranking since Jan 2 1993.

Marissa Named ACC Rookie of the Week

Second time this year for our leading scorer. Not bad for someone who comes off the bench. She also went 6-7 from 3-point land this week. I think she has regained the grove that made her the one of the most sought after players last year.

http://theacc.collegesports.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/121205aae.html

Articles About the Game

Baltimore Sun
Washington Post
The Diamondback

Terps Win 92-67!

Well it was hairy at the start as Arizona hung with us in the first half using an othrodox four guard line up. They kept the ball out of the post and when we got it down low we missed shots. Finally, we clamped down on defense and hit outside shots and before you knew we scored the last 17 points before the half and led 46-27. At that point the game was over. We hit 8 of 9 three pointers in the first half and at that point the Wildcats had to spread out the zone and stop our shooters. In the second half we went inside and answered their runs with runs of our own.

Once again we went over 90 (the most Arizona gave up all year) and had 6 players in double figures. Shay and Crystal had double-doubles.

Toliver played for about 5 minutes scored her points and then came out. She was wearing braces around her calves and limped off the court. I think she will be fine, but she needs her rest.

Once again too many turnovers.

Game Story | Box Score | Quotes | Notes

Game #9 - vs. Arizona

After 3 games against relatively easy opponents, Maryland faces a tougher challenge with the Arizona Wildcats coming to town. Arizona is 4-2 and went to the NCAA Tournament last year. They are also looking to avenge last year's OT loss to Maryland at their place. You may remember that this was the game where Jade banked in a jumper at the buzzer to send the game to OT.

Arizona really hasn't played anyone this season except for Utah and they lost that game. They also don't have much height and they are still reeling from the death of All-American center Shawntinice Polk earlier this year. She added an extra dimension to the team as she towered over most teams. Now we will see what they bring to the table.

The Wildcats may unveil their freshman point guard tomorrow who was just cleared by the NCAA. We have no scouting report on her so I hope the coaches are ready.

Arizona is also Brenda's alma mater.

The questions for Maryland are:
1. Will this team be ready to play decent competition for the first time since Tennessee?
2. Will everyone that dresses play or are players still resting?

Maryland Game Notes | Arizona Game Notes

Tomorrow is FREE RADIO day!

Crystal Named USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year

After leading the U.S Under 19 team to an 8-0 record and gold medal, Crystal (who we all know was the best frosh last year) was named the USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year. This a great accomplishment for her as well as the team. Hopefully now the media will pick up on this and give the team the respect they deserve.


Complete Release

Under-19 Team Named USA Team of the Year - Coleman and Langhorne were both members of this team.


Crystal is now eligible for the USOC Female of the Year award, while the team is up for USOC Team of the Year.

Articles

The first one is about the game, the second about our favorite #1.

Philly Burbs

The Diamondback

Terps Win, 88-55

While the score states we won by 33, it wasn't that easy. The Terps trailed midway through the first half before turning it on and leading by 11 at the half. I take it Brenda gave them a colorful speech at halftime (I doubt that will be making Under the Shell) because the second half saw them score 50 points, while Monmouth only scored 28.

I couldn't listen to or watch the game since Monmouth still hasn't adopted 90's technology.

From the boxscore I see we only had three people in double figures (first time all year), Toliver didn't play (must be her turn to rest), Shay had a double-double, Crystal had 20 points in 21 minutes and Jade had 11 rebounds. Everyone who dressed scored at least 2. Also Charmaine got her first start since freshman year I think.

Box Score | Game Story

Positives

Outrebounded them by 22

Missed only three free throws

50% from 3.

7 blocks, 4 by Coleman.

Negatives

21 turnovers.

Game #8 - @ Monmouth

I don't know why we are playing Monmouth in New Jersey tomorrow. Maybe we are doing it for Crystal (coaches like to let the kids play at least one game near their homes during their career). Other than that, it's a shame to go on the road and play a team we know we are going to beat bad.

They are 1-4, don't have much height and are averaging 56.4 points per game.
Monmouth Stats


Maryland Game Notes

Terps in the Polls

Thanks to the Tar Heels demolition of the Huskies last night the Terps moved up to 8th in the latest Coaches Poll, probably the highest since 1992-93. The AP Poll came out yesterday hence why we didn't move up in that one.

Terps in the New York Times

The Times did a feature on women's college basketball this weekend and mentioned us as a team to watch out for. Check it out here

Terps Mentioned on ESPN2 on Monday

Don't know how many of you out there were scouting Carolina on Monday (I was and damn they looked fast), but at halftime they were talking about Tennessee and of course the Terps came up. Stacy Dales-Schumann talked about Maryland and then focused on Crystal (with some highlights) about how great of a finisher she was. She also mentioned how Lang has a "radar for the ball" The last line she credited to someone named Natalie, who I can't find on the roster or staff. Maybe she's the one who keeps us all updated at umterps.com.

Terps Run Roughshod Over the Mount, 102-53.

These games really aren't fair anymore. I think Brenda should play 4 on 5. I mean hell we used only 7 yesterday. Crystal had 30 and 10 in 21 minutes, while Jade posted her second straight double-double. Shay scored 18 and Ashliegh chipped in with 10. 3rd game this year over 100. All these blowouts have given more time to Angel, Charmaine and Aurelie, which will be good if we need them during ACC season. The odd thing is usually teams get to evaluate young players in blowouts and we are checking out players that will be gone in 6 months (aside from Aurelie)

Box Score | Game Story | Quotes | Notes

My Notes

Coleman, Harper and France didn't play. Toliver played only 1 minute in the second half. Either we are taking it easy because of minor injuries or Brenda's pissed at a few players.

Angel Ross was the only player who didn't score

Positives

We came out strong early and slammed on the gas to put this game away early.

Crystal shot 10-of-11 from the floor and it wasn't all layups.

Jade once again stepped up and controlled the glass. These games will give her confidence down the line when Harper or Langhorne are in foul trouble.

Defense is getting better. We held them to 53 points.

Negatives

Still too many turnovers. Many of them forced or stupid. No reason to have more than 10 TOs against a team like this.

Defense. We let them get by way too easy and didn't box out against a smaller team.

Articles

The Diamondback

Washington Post

Baltimore Sun

Pictures

"Terps making their way to the doorstep"

So says the San Francisco Chronicle

Here's the blurb:
Maryland: The Terrapins are a team on the rise with two standouts in guard Shay Doron and forward Crystal Langhorne, the ACC Rookie of the Year last season.

Articles About Yesterday's Game

It's good to see that the Sun and Post both had writers there, now if we can only get the Times and Annapolis Capital to make appearances.

The Diamondback

Washington Post

Baltimore Sun

Terps Destroy Mountaineers 118-59

Wasn't really a game after the ball was tipped. Terps scored the first 6 let Appy State score then Maryland answered and so it went until UM finally blew it open midway through the first half. By the time the second half rolled around, Angel, Charmaine and Auriele were looking to increase their scoring averages. 6 players in double figures (all scoring 16 or more), 3 players with double-doubles (Jade, Kristi and Marissa) and three points away from breaking the school record for points in a game. Jade took over as Crystal rested and Harper sat out (for precautionary reasons nothing more) and had a career-high 16 points and 16 rebounds. Just one note on how bad the game was: Maryland didn't have to score in the second half and they still would have won by 7.

Some Notes

Angel saw her first action of the season

Kalika was in street clothes again. I wonder if she is just being rested for ACC games.

Game Story | Box Score | Quotes | Notes

Positives

Balanced Scoring Attack.

Jade picking up the slack.

Outrebounding another team by 30.

Winning by 59 (last year we beat them by 20)

Toliver and Coleman's double-doubles

Negatives

Turnovers. We had 17 of them that's fine against a bad team, not good against a good team. The only good sign is that 12 of them were by the frosh so I chalk that up to still getting adjusted to the college game.

Defense. Yep we only gave up 59, but they had open looks some of the time. We should have held them to under 45. Also the zone defense looked bad (at the same time, the regulars weren't in the game)

The Marketing Department. The Box score says there were 2200 people there. It was more like 1000. That's a pathetic effort for a team ranked in the Top 10. Someone over there better get their act together. They are bringing our attendance numbers down.

Pictures

Game #6: Appalachian State

The Terps are back home for the first of two games beginning tonight with a clash against the Mountaineers of Appalachian State. They went 11-14 a year ago and are 1-2 this year after losing to Georgia Tech over the weekend, 68-45. Their site doesn't have updated stats, so I have no idea who the best player is. Read About Appy State

Last year we beat them 94-74 using a late run to seal the game. I don't expect it to be that close this year. They have one girl at 6'3 and she's a freshman. Expect to see plenty of Angel (if she's healthy), Aurelie and Charmaine tonight.


Maryland Game Notes