Tuesday Tidbits

Dropped to 5th in the AP as several pollsters dropped us for no apparent reason. To see who is voting us where click here.

Ashleigh was picked to go to the WBCA/Nike Workshop.

In a complete joke, Crystal was a second team Academic All-American Candace Parker was first team along with four players who won't be a regular AA.

In bracketology land, Charlie Creme and Jerry Palm have us as a two seed in Tennessee's region.

Don't forget to vote for Crystal

Terps Overcome Emotions, Overtime and Seminoles to stay perfect at home

4 seconds, that's all remained between Maryland and a perfect record at home. And that one play showed how much Crystal Langhorne has grown in her four years as a player. With the clock running down and the ball fed into the post, Crystal faced a double-team and instead of forcing it up (freshman and sophomore year) or turning it over (junior year), she calmly turned, passed it to Marissa, who went strong to the bucket and tied the game at 76-all. After a last second miss by FSU, it was on to overtime and just like that an eight-point deficit with 3 minutes left was gone.

It was an emotional day at Comcast as the ladies were crying before the ceremony and much of that emotion continued deep into the game until the team realized that they may lose the game. Full credit goes to the team for digging down deep and getting the crucial stops they needed and make the post game ceremony filled with jubilation.

I never got worried as I knew we would get the stops we needed, but at certain times Florida State seemed to just throw the ball up and it would go in.

It also seemed that the senior filled line up confused not only FSU but ourselves as the post players weren't sure which part of the zone to cover and thus left FSU for 3.

I understand why we played zone today, but I think at certain times we are over rotating which allows the opposition to complete a skip pass to a wide open shooter. Teams with more than two good three-point shooters could hurt us down the line.

I was a little disappointed that we had an 11-point lead and let Florida State score 14 straight to take a three-point lead. During that stretch, we had two charges, two turnovers and a missed three. Those aren't great possessions.

We also have to stop the turnovers. I understand that for some reason traveling was a focus of the refs today, but we still forced some bad passes.

We have to get better on defense against teams with mostly guards as we seem to get exposed. Plus we were hesitant to attack the post over the top.

Another week off until North Carolina State. Our only hope to win the regular season title is to have UNC lose their next two and for us to beat State.

Game #30: Florida State

Today is Senior Day and we will honor five seniors: Ashleigh, Christie, Crystal, Jade and Laura for all their accomplishments. They are the first class to record four-straight 20+ win seasons and thus are the winningest class in school history. These four (and Christie) bought into Coach Brenda's vision and without each one of them, 2006 would have never happened nor would the reestablishment of Maryland as one of the elite programs in the country. I could go on and on about what they have done in their careers, but most of you all know that by now. Plus, we all have a ceremony to sit through and posting all their accomplishments would take you a long time to read.

After everyone wipes away their tears (remember we still get to see them at home tow more times), we do have a game to play and that opponent is Florida State, our first and only meeting with them.

The Seminoles are 16-10 and 6-5 in the ACC to put them in fifth place. The only common non-conference opponent was LSU and they lost by 12. In the ACC, they have lost to Virginia (twice), Georgia Tech, Duke and North Carolina.

Florida State averages 70.1 ppg, while allowing 64.5. 97 is the most they have given up all year and have only allowed more than 80 four times. They outrebound opponents 39.5 to 38.2. They shoot .434 from the floor and .351 from 3, while other teams shoot .391 and .312 from behind the arc.

Due to suspensions and injuries, Florida State has a limited roster and plays a four-guard line up. In fact, they have two healthy forwards over 6' and one of them only plays under 16 minutes per game. Tanae Davis-Cain is a 5'11 guard who leads the team in scoring at 15.9 points per game. She's more of a slasher as she has taken 135 more shots inside the arc, but still shoots 36.7% from 3-point land. Davis-Cain only grabs 4.4 rebounds per game. Second on the team in scoring is Mara Freshour, a 6'1 guard, at 11.9 ppg. She shoots a little better from 3 at .404 but will take shots from whereever. She rebounds a little better than Davis-Cain at 4.7. Their main post player is Jacinta Monroe, a 6'4 athletic forward, and she averages 11.0 ppg. She leads the team in rebounding (6.3) and blocks (68). She shoots 60.7% from the floor (only 1 three all year), but 57.6% from the free throw line. Shante Williams is fourth on the team in scoring at 9.2. Unlike the other two guards, she is more of the slasher than a three-point shooter. Williams is their defensive leader with a team high 46 steals. Their fifth starter is either Courtney Ward or Christian Hunnicutt. Both are freshmen and decoys in the offense as neither one scores that much. Ward at 6.2 and Hunnicutt at 3.7. Both will shoot the three if left open so we can't ignore them. Anyone they bring off the bench can shoot the 3 except for Cayla Moore, who is their other post player.

The keys to win the game..
1. Check emotions at the bench before the game begins. I know the players will be emotional, but they have to remember that they have a game to play. Crying can take place after the game.
2. Rebounding the basketball. With FSU only having one post player, we should dominate the boards.
3. Containing penetration. I have a feeling we will play zone to try and prevent the penetration and because of match up issues. We can't leave FSU open for three.
4. Take care of the ball and keep our foot on the throttle. One thing that was great about the Duke game was that we never let them back in the game. Everytime Duke tried to get close we made a run.
5. Feed the post. with one post player, let's get her in foul trouble and make them use their bench.


Don't forget to stick around after the game to see Crystal's jersey put in the rafters.

Off to get my box of tissues....

Friday Facts

Sunday is senior day and as I thought back to the four years of Jade, Laura, Crystal and Ashleigh I couldn't help but remember that each of them except for Harper has hit a memorable shot in their career. For example, Jade hit that off the glass shot against Arizona as a freshman, Ashleigh tied the game against Carolina as a sophomore and Crystal made that lay up against Baylor before halftime. If someone can remember one for her please post it in the comments section. Here's hoping it happens on April 8.

With the win on Sunday, Maryland improved to 2-0 when one of the coaches has a child that same day. Remember Coach Walz' wife gave birth to Jacob last year against Loyola.

Brenda and her husband didn't sell their photos like most celebrities and just let the AP snap the two newest fans.

Wednesday's Words

We stayed at the same spot in the polls despite all the turmoil at the top last week. We are the only top 6 team to not get a first place vote, despite having only lost on the road to the #2 and #4 team.

Crystal and Kristi stayed at fifth and eighth in the latest version of Wade Watch

Jerry Palm has us as a two seed in Tennessee's bracket. Charlie Creme was lazy this week.

Crystal will have her jersey honored at senior night.

Future Terp Lynetta Kizer was selected to the McDonald's and WBCA All-Star Games. If many of those names look familiar, it's because we recruited most of them.

Brenda was named a finalist for the Naismith Coach of the Year Award according to the Georgia Tech site, although the Naismith site has nothing about it.

More articles on Coach Park: SLC Tribune, Pressbox

Memborable Day for Coach Frese: Birth and a Sweep

Feb. 5, 1993. That was the last time Maryland swept the season series from Duke. Until today. Thanks to a stellar effort from Crystal Langhorne and Kristi Toliver, the Terps made the first few hours of Markus and Tyler's lives an enjoyable. If you don't know who Markus and Tyler are, watch this:



Feb. 17 will now go down in Maryland history as not only a season sweep of Duke, but the birth of Brenda's two children. The boys were also smart enough to arrive before 11 so that mom and dad could take photos, etc and then be ready for the 5:30 tip. Luckily, Brenda's other "kids" decided to put Brenda and Mark at ease by coming out from the start and being the aggressor. After a Abby Waner 3 at 16:47 (she shot it from nearly half court) cut the gap to 3, Duke never got any closer.

Overall, I think we played a good game. We essentially dominated Duke on both ends most and the game was a lot closer than the score indicated thanks in part to the refs swallowing their whistles (somehow in the men's game you can't be forced out, but in the women's game you can). We controlled the boards and every time Duke tried to get back in the game we either made a basket or a defensive stop (including the first-ever double block I have witnessed). Offensively, we played well attacking Duke in the post and hitting most of our open jumpers.

We had too many turnovers for my liking, but some of that has to be attributed to the refs letting Duke be physical and not calling it. Also, I think too often we look for the foul call instead of playing through it. Kristi also has to pass the ball and not try to dribble through everyone. I was disappointed that Newman and Strickland didn't shoot as well as Thursday. Ashleigh had a big steal and played good defense, but she missed a lay up and an open jumper (someone get her sick again). Strickland missed two wide open threes and a free throw (first of her career). I was pleasantly surprised how we handled the trap and confused Duke with our zone.

The win now clinches the two seed for us in the ACC Tournament. We still need UNC to lose twice and their remaining schedule includes Miami, NC State and Duke. If we stay as the two seed we would play the winner of the 7/10 match up on the second day (Currently that is Florida State/Miami).

Now a week off before Sunday's senior day against Florida State. You may want to ge their early as this senior class has a ton of accomplishments.

Congrats to Crystal for another school record - 826 made field goals.

Game 29: Ekud

The revenge portion of ou schedule ends on Sunday against Ekud. The first time we played them we ended our home-court losing streak against them. A win on Sunday gives us our first win in Durham since 2000 and our first sweep of the season series since 1993 (I think the basketcases were in high school when that happened). Of course we won two straight over them in 2006. A win tomorrow locks up the two seed in the ACC tournament as the worst we could finish is 11-3 and we would own the season series against Virginia and Duke.

To read my preview of Ekud from the first game click here and for the recap click here.

For us to win tomorrow, we need to play our tempo and not make stupid passes. Ekud will again force us into a half court offense and hope their defense leads to points. We need to attack the post and get Black and Cheek in foul trouble. Chances are the refs won't help us out like they did last time.

Thinks I want to see:
1. Strickland continue her confidence from Thursday.
2. Newman show Thursday was not a fluke.
3. Domination on the glass.
4. Marissa not waiting so long to take over.
5. Kristi showing patience and handling the traps.
6. No let downs.
7. Abby Waner marked at all times.

I think we have another good chance to win as the team looks hungry. I watch will be watching the game on Comcast SportsNet and be ready to right the happy recap postgame.

Maryland Stays Perfect Against Boston College

Just like the Virginia game last Friday, last night's game was the opposite of the first time we played BC. BC focused on shutting down the post play of Crystal and Laura, usually with double teams, and that left Maryland wide open on the outside. As a result, the team hit 11 threes, including three, yes three, by Ashleigh. Two were when she set her feet and one was an off-balance beat the shot clock shot. Let's hope the slump is over.

We played sluggish at the start as we adjusted to BC's double teams in the post, but then we took command and went into half with a 17-point lead. The game was never close in the second half and it gave us a chance to rest the starters. As a result, Crystal only finished with 4 points and 3 rebounds and Marissa also was in single digits.

Coach Frese said she was happy with the way we played defense, but BC still shot 42.3% and we barely won the rebounding battle. So I don't know if she was happy that we limited BC's offense and forced them to work the clock or she saw something I didn't. The Eagles match up with us better than most teams because they aren't athletic. I was glad to see Crystal and Laura contained Swords, and maybe that's what Brenda was referencing.

It was great to see Marah emerge from the dog house and wouldn't you know that Drey Mingo has an offensive game? It only took 11 ACC games for me to find that out, but after 13 minutes and seeing the offensive run through her I was pleased and puzzled why she doesn't play more.

My only complaint was that we were too unselfish near the end of the game, resulting in at least 4 rushed shots with the shot clock winding down. It's great to get everyone involved, but no need to pass the ball around with 8 seconds on the shot clock.

Now it's time to get ready for Ekud and lock up at least the three seed at the ACC Tournament.

Don't forget to vote in the POG poll.

Game #28: Boston College

Tonight marks another rematch as we take on Boston College. Here is my preview of the last time we played them and here is my recap of the game.

The Eagles have lost two straight to Duke and NC State and only scored 41 points in both match ups. At 5-4 in the conference, a win tonight almost locks up a first round bye in the ACC Tournament (we just have to wait until FSU loses to UNC on Sunday).

Tonight is finally the time to put on a dominating performance. I don't want BC to creep back into the game like they did last time. The Eagles are down right now and it's up to us to continue their last season swoon. I also want to see our post defense improve as last time Swords had 28 and 13 last time and that shouldn't happen against Crystal and Laura.

We need to rest the starters as some of you feel they are playing too many minutes, which I agree with. A strong first 10 minutes will allow Drey to see more time and rest us for the game in Durham on Sunday.

Other keys:
1) No let downs to start the game or the half.
2) Ashleigh making a jumper
3) Drey seeing minutes
4) Kristi continuing to play smart and not forcing bad shots.
5) Jade to continue having fun out there.
6) Marah getting out of the dog house.

Game time is at 7 and rumor has it we are letting a player on BC sing the National Anthem (Ayla Brown who was on American Idol). I, for one, think it is garbage, but then again our marketing department isn't all that bright (once again the Gary Williams radio show takes place at the same time as the women's game).

Back tomorrow with the happy recap.

Tuesday Tidbits

Stayed at fourth in the AP poll, but Rutgers got sympathy votes in the Coaches poll and bumped us to 5th. One guy in the AP poll has West Virginia ahead of us.

Crystal stil holding down fifth and Kristi eighth in the Wade Watch

Jerry Palm has us as a two seed with a chance to play Minnesota or Arizona State (Don't like that match up), while Charlie Creme also has us as a two seed with a potential second round game against Louisville and the turn coat.

Found this on theACC.com:

Monday Musings

Kristi has been named ACC Player of the Week. That gives us 8 total and the ACC-record is 10. There are three weeks left, so we need some dynamic performances to tie the record.

Former walk-on Michelle Miller has taken up coaching a local high school team, except she's not there all the time.

The NCAA let a few media members go through the process of Selection Monday and currently, we are a two seed.

Crystal is a finalist for the senior CLASS award. Be sure to vote for her.

Crystal was also named Academic All-District.

A put a new poll up on the site to gauge people's feelings. Also I will be doing polls after each game to let the fans pick the player of the game.

Terps Edge out Cavaliers Again

In another hard fought game, Maryland moved it's winning streak against Virginia to 6 with a 86-80 victory. The game was the complete opposite of the game three weeks ago as Virginia decided that they would try to run with Maryland instead of slowing down the pace as they had down in Charlottesville. It worked for certain stretches as the pace seemed to encourage the Terps to push the ball and make foolish turnovers. As a result, we once again trailed in the second half. Then Marissa took over and converted two three-point plays during an 11-2 spurt to vault Maryland the lead. A lead that was never given back. We had several chances to put the game away, but give Virginia credit they fought until the end. The win gives us the tiebreaker over them should we be tied at the end of the season.

Virginia's strategy in the first half seemed to be to isolate Mohammed on Langhorne in the paint and let her go to work. After foul trouble put her and Wright on the bench, UVA's guards used their speed to exploit the 2-3 zone employed by Maryland. I understand the zone was useful with the four guard line up UVA used, but we struggled to cover the gaps and grab rebounds, which will always be the problem with zone defense. UVA had too many offensive rebounds for my liking and 80 points is too many to give up to a team that only scored 64 last time.

We saw Strickland struggle for the first time and as a result Kat saw more time. Kat seemed to be in a little awe as she forced two bad passes and her one shot didn't go in, but she needs this experience. I would have like to have seen Drey play, but Jade was bringing some energy and there was no reason to disrupt the flow. I do feel Drey needs minutes against Murphy and Swords on Thursday to prepare for next year.

A lot of the mistakes we made yesterday were mental, which could be as a result of being tired. There's no reason for us to shoot 57% and only win by 6. We need to play within our offense and stop trying to make SportsCenter plays each night.

Kristi looks to be only slumping at home, but she is making smarter decisions. We really need to stop playing down to opponents, I wonder if it will take a loss or just the Duke game to wake up and start crushing teams again.

Congrats to Harper who recorded block number 186 last night, one more for the school record by herself.

Next up is BC on Thursday, make it a date night with your significant other.

Game 27: Virginia

Time for game two this week and begins our stretch of rematches, the first being Virginia. Three weeks ago, we needed an end of the game run to pull away from Virginia for good to stay, at that point, undefeated in conference play. If you want to read my original preview of Virginia, click here. The box score from that game is here and you can also read my recap.

Since our win over them, Virginia has defeated Miami (by 11), Florida State (by 3), NC State (by 25) and Morehead State (by 45) and is virtually tied with us in the ACC standings. A win today gives us the tiebreaker over them if it comes down to that.

The keys to today's game is to come out strong to start the game and handle the Virginia trap. We had too many turnovers in the first game and that's why we trailed for most of the first half. Marissa needs to stay out of foul trouble as her two quick fouls killed us at the JPJ Arena. We need to keep UVA off the glass and continue to work on our depth.

It will be interesting to see how Coach Park handles teams a second time around and how coaches have adjusted to him. Last time we played a triangle and 2 with Coleman on Wright and Strickland on Littles. Will we do that again from the start or save it until later?

I think we win in a blowout and reestablish that we are the best team in the league.

Stat of the day On Monday it took Virginia Tech 10 minutes to score 31 points, yesterday against Wake it took them almost 30 minutes.

Remember to wear pink to the game today and that Shay is getting honored at halftime, so don't run to the concession stand.

Tuesday's Tidbits

Back up to 4th in both polls, there are still four AP voters who feel we are not a Top 5 team. Last night probably didn't help much.

Shay is having her jersey honored on Friday night at halftime. I don't think it's being retired so Kim Rodgers should be able to wear it next year (as well as the weight of expectations on her shoulders).

The Washington Times and Baltimore Sun did features on Brenda's pregnancy.

The Examiner writes about how the Terps need depth for a title run

The Diamondback talks about the squad's team attitude.

Jeff Lippman picked Crystal for his All-January team.

Jerry Palm dropped us to a two seed and Charlie Creme moved us up to a one seed.

Crystal now in fifth in the Wade Watch, while Kristi is down to eighth.

Under The Shell Episode #3

Terps Squeek by Hokies in Overtime

Well I was half-right on my prediction as Barbour and Cook killed us offensively, but I didn't expect VT to make us all break out in a cold sweat last night. We played the first 10 minutes like we didn't want to be there and that VT would just wilt and give up. The players didn't realize that VT has already played UNC and Duke so they have faced this animosity before. Hopefully this wakes them up.

We also have been terrible on the road lately as we have trailed at the half at UVA, at UNC and at VT and all three games have included the home team coming out red hot to start the game and then us clawing our way back into it. Either Coach B needs to tape some pregame talks or Coach Park needs to work on his.

This game can be broken down into two parts: the first 10:13 and the last 34:47.
In the first 10:13, VT scored 31 points on 11 of 23 shooting, including making their first six shots. In that same time span, Maryland scored 10 points on 4 of 8 shooting and 10 turnovers. Over the last, 34:47 Maryland outscored VT 64 - 30, while VT made 15 of 60 shots to Maryland's 24 of 53. Maryland also committed only 15 turnovers in that final span (still too many, but compared to the first 10 mins it's an improvement). Also note that the run started when the bench went into the game.

I give the team credit for keeping their composure and slowly chipping away and forcing overtime. Talent took over and once it went to overtime, VT was spent. The problem is experienced teams shouldn't let inferior teams stay in the game. I don't expect this to happen again.

The other problem is that because the game was a struggle, once again the starters had to play a ton of minutes. Credit goes to Kristi who realized her shot wasn't falling and settled for more mid-range jumpers. Another solid night out of Crystal with 19 and 16.

Back in action on Friday night against Virginia. Be sure to wear your pink.

Game 26: Virginia Tech

Back playing on Monday night, but instead of being on ESPN2 we are on Comcast SportsNet while Duke and UNC battle it out on the deuce. Today's game should again be a great way for us to improve our depth. Although, judging from some of the comments people still aren't satisfied with the rotations. I do agree that Drey, Kat, Ashleigh and Jade (in no particular order) need to rotate in when the game is close. VT should be blown out of the water, so there is no reason for us to not work on getting everyone involved. (I stand corrected, as the VT website is hyping this game as if it's a top 25 match up)

Virginia Tech is 13-9 on the season and 0-7 in the ACC. Their only win in the last 8 games is over Dartmouth. The Hokies closest ACC game was a four-point loss to FSU.

VT averages 70 ppg while allowing 65.1 ppg. They outrebound opponents 39.2-37.0 VT shoots 42.8% from the floor, but 29.3% from three, while opponents shoot 40.9% and 31.8%, respectively. VT has only made 75 threes all year, meanwhile Marah and Kristi have made 101 in fewer attempts.

VT is led by 6'0 guard Brittany Cook. She averages 17.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg. She likes to take the ball inside the arc as more than thirds of her shots are from inside. She will play aggressive defense and can block shots. Second on the team in scoring is freshman Andrea Barbour at 15.9 points per game. She is like cook, except doesn't rebound as well. Next is Utahya Drye, a 6'1 forward, who leads the team in rebounding at 6.2. She's not a shot blocker and not a three point shooter, but does average 10.1 ppg. Amber Hall is 6'2 forward who also pulls down 6.2 board per game. She is the main shot blocker down low and has taken only two 3s all year. She is a good free throw shooter at 88.5%. Rounding out the starters in point guard 5'10 Laura Haskins. She runs the offense and leads the team in assists at 101. She also helps rebound so she needs to be boxed out. She will shoot the 3 if open, but is primarily the fifth option on the team. Lindsay Biggs is their shooter off the bench as 73 of her 121 shots have taken place outside the arc. She shoots 34.2% from there. Eleanor Brentall is their main post sub and is listed at 6'4. VT's other two subs Shani Gray and Lakeisha Logan don't seem to be too involved in the offense and don't play more than 9 minutes per game.

VT will probably try and use it's quickness on the outside to get the rim and we need to counter that by getting around screens and boxing out when the miss. On the inside, Laura and Crystal should have a field day. The Hokies will probably try to slow the game down, so we need to get the ball and go. Dictate the tempo, not let them dictate the tempo for us.

Defensively, I see: Kristi on Haskins, Marah on Barbour, Coleman on Cook, Langhorne on Hall, Harper on Drye.

I want to see Ashleigh hit a 3 tonight and more offensive plays run for Drey and the same energy from Jade I saw on Thursday.

Terps Cane 'Canes

Sorry for the delay was having computer issues.

Now that’s more like it. After a sluggish first 10 minutes of the game, we settled in and played Maryland basketball and cruised to a 44-23 halftime lead. Almost everyone minus Emery played in the first half, which means either Coach Frese and Coach Park have been reading internet chatter and wanted to quiet the fans or feel that depth was a key factor in Saturday’s loss.

I was excited to see Kat become the first player off the bench, and thought she played well. She avoided the traps and with the shot clock running down she made her move to the bucket and either shot it or dumped it inside. Her three-point streak ended at 10, but she already started a new one.
Would have liked to see Drey get more minutes in the first half when the game is close. It’s great she got experience last night, but she’s not learning much when Miami has essentially given up. Let’s she what she can against some frontline starters.

We finally got some rest as none of the starters played more than 29 minutes and Kristi and Crystal each played 20. This is the way it should be from here on out. Use the depth to keep our minutes down so the ladies are fresh for March, when it really matters. While Kristi and Crystal will have to play more than 20 minutes against Duke, UVA and maybe FSU, they shouldn’t need to play 35-40 as some rest will allow us to take over games earlier.

Congrats to Crystal on 2,000 points (on a jump shot no less) and then making all nine of her free throws. Kristi also continues to produce while her offense isn’t working, dishing out 10 assists. You can tell Kristi is starting to fret as she is forcing some shots (she doesn’t need to fade on every shot) and trying to dribble through people. She needs to play her game and stop thinking.

Jade looked like she was having fun out there again last night and I hope the coaching staff realizes that. Ashleigh needs to do something about her shot, because if she can’t hit an outside shot she’s not helping us on the offense. She had some nice steals last night, but if she is not consistent then let’s give Kat her shots.

Next up is Virginia Tech on the road, Monday night. Should be another easy game, which will help us further develop the bench.

I think we will be quiet on the milestones for a few games, but I will have to look at the media guide over the weekend.