Monday, February 05, 2007

Terps Clamp down on BC, 71-39

Finally, back in the win column! It's been over 10 days since I get to write about a win. It puts us at 6-3 in the ACC and keeps us in the log jam for 4th. One more loss and we will probably have to play on the first day. The 39 points were the fewest BC scored this year and the fewest we have given up since 1994. A nice crowd was also in attendance, especially for SB Sunday. Terps will need probably a sell out on Tuesday to finish the year with an average of 10,000 fans at home.

Harper and Coleman also record their 500th rebounds.

Positives

  • The defense. Better than it has been and it seemed like the ladies were really focused on shutting down BC. They moved around screens, stopped passing lanes and made it hard for BC to get a shot off. There were a few open looks and 33 was being left open, but we aren't going to learn defense overnight. A step in the right direction, but it needs to keep up the next few games.
  • Harper. She gave us a glimpse of last year as she attacked the hoop and jumped for rebounds. Plus she got Ress in foul trouble early.
  • Shay. Playing with renewed passion as her senior year comes winding down. 16 shots is a bit much, but she's showing energy and playing solid D.
  • Jade. Another poor offensive night, but attacked the glass and led the team with 10 rebounds. Got really annoyed it looked like, when her headband was moved.
  • Team's energy. BC kept it close for a while, but the Terps didn't get down over it and finally put them away early in the second half.
  • Sa'de. She attacked the basket on both ends, finishing with 7 points and 6 rebounds. I hope she is turning the corner too.
  • Coleman. 11, 9 and 5. great all-around game, although she disappeared in the second half and only took 3 shots.

    Negatives
  • Turnovers. 19 of them. 11 in the first half and only 3 of them were forced. Team was dropping balls or just throwing it away. No need to force the ball into the post if it's not there.
  • The Offense. What happened to it? We haven't scored more than 76 in four games. the team looked like it stood around watching yesterday and suddenly the shots aren't falling. Also, it seems that our O suffers when the team focuses on playing D (if it leads to more opponents being held under 40 that's great).
  • Langhorne. She didn't seem into it yesterday. She got the ball in the post and just stood there holding it. Maybe all those double-teams have her thinking too much. It looked to me like she got benched in the second half for not trying to do more.
  • Toliver. The D was better last night, but she looks to be in a shooting slump and affected by the Duke and UNC games. She is also fading to the side on most shots.

    Articles
  • Diamondback
  • Examiner
  • Washington Times
  • Washington Post
  • Baltimore Sun


    Up Next
    Thursday at home versus Virginia Tech. Tech is 4-4 in conference and 15-9 overall.

  • 1 comments:

    Terps01 said...

    Totally agree w/ your points about our D. They're being too concious on D it affects their O. The D's not gonna turn stellar overnight so they shouldn't be so down on themselves when a couple of open shots are allowed. They won NC with this D for csakes. IMO they've lost confidence since losing to Duke and it snowballed from there to UNC and GT game. The coaching staffs need to remind them often that they're as good (if not better) as those teams if they play to their best. KT needs to be reminded that she's still the best 3-point shooter. Crystal, Laura and Marissa should know that they're the best frontcourt in the country. Shay...is Shay, she's gonna be productive no matter her shots are falling or not. Hell! they're the best starting five in the country and they should start playing like one. Just believe in themselves, relax and have fun.