Game #3: Delaware (WNIT)

48 hours later and another game, this time against a much easier opponent in Delaware, who is coming off a 54-47 win over Delaware State on Friday. The only thing I know about Delaware is that Chrissy Fisher played their the last few years. Also, Delaware's leading scorer broke her hand in the game on Friday and will not play tonight meaning someone will have to take over the scoring load. They are coming off an NCAA appearance, but lost two of their top scorers from a year ago.

Judging by their stats, they are a guard-oriented team as the leading scorers in the first game were guards. They start a 6-4 center, but their 6-1 forward grabbed 10 rebounds in game one.

You know the checklist by now, but I also think we need to force the tempo. We should press whoever takes at the point for DeHaven. Also, let's put this game away early so that the starters can rest and we can see more of Kat Lyons and Drey Mingo on the court.

Winner plays either Notre Dame or Western Kentucky on Friday.

Coleman Named ACC Player of the Week (and other links)

After a dominating performance against OU, Marissa Coleman was named ACC Player of the Week



Is it me or does it look like Marissa is above the rim and can dunk?

- Voepel writes a great article about the Terps' Return To Form

- Langhorne and Coleman were selected preseason All-Americans by ESPN

- Coleman was picked best at her position, while Langhorne was an honorable mention on ESPN.com

Maryland Sends a Message, Crushes Oklahoma

Oklahoma outscored Maryland 23-7 in the opening and closing 4 minutes of the game, unfortunately for the Sooners the game is 40 minutes and the Terps tallied 69 points to OU's 43 during that span en route to a 76-66 win over the sixth ranked team in the country. Our defensive intensity was great and despite Lang's 1-for-7 shooting and 4 rebound performance, everyone else stepped up which again gave me hope that I can start making plans for Tampa in April.

I think Kristi has made it her mission to make me eat my words after the USA performance. Back-to-back 10+ assist games, maybe Diana was right. Coleman took over like she should everygame and Harper was back in Final 4 form, but....

Player of the Game: Marah Strickland. 14 points on 5 of 8 shooting including 4 three-pointers, all of which came at critical moments. The frosh likes to shine in the big moments it seems.

Looking at the checklist
1. Marissa, Kristi and Crystal combined for at least 50 points - minus - 38
2. Crystal at least 20-30 touches per game on the offensive end - plus - her passes out of the post were great and she forced OU to change their game plan
3. Crystal takes at least 10-15 shots per game - minus - she seemed tentative tonight and with everyone else pick up the slack, it wasn't a hinderence.
4. Fewer than 15 turnovers per game - minus - the press killed us and we tried to get a little too fancy again
5. Shoot 70% from the free throw line - minus
6. Outrebound opponents - plus
7. Kristi to have more shots made than turnovers - minus - 6 to 7
8. Laura to take 5-10 shots per game. - plus - 9 shots
9. 5-10 steals per game - plus - 10
10. Fewer than 5 missed lay ups per game. - minus - lang missed a bunch as did harp, but I don't recall any easy lay ups blown
11. At least 10 drives to the basket by the guards. - minus - I don't recall more than 10
12. Getting opposing team in foul trouble. - plus - both Parises had 3 and 4 fouls
Final Tally: 5 out of 12 (sometimes great players cover up mistakes)


Things to work on for the next game
- handling the press.
- getting Crystal back in the flow
- putting the game away early so that the team can rest a bit.

Game 2 - Oklahoma (State Farm Tip Off)

46 hours after the season started and we are already onto game two of the season. This game should be a little tougher than the first as it is against #6 Oklahoma down in North Carolina. Need I remind you of the last time we played at Carmichael?
Let's just hope Ashleigh doesn't need to chuck in another long distance three to send it to overtime.

This is the first game for Oklahoma after winning their two exhibitions easily. The Sooners scored 110 points in each of those games with Courtney Paris scoring 19 and 25 in both. It seems the starters for OU don't do much for OU as the reserves have scored 127 points in two games. Last year, OU was a slow down the pace team and feed the ball inside to Paris. I have no idea what kind of impact the freshman have on their team.

In order to win today aside from the original check points we must:
- speed the game up. Grab the rebound and go with the ball force the Sooners to run.
- pressure them. Ole Miss used that to their advantage.
- Attack Paris. If the ball isn't fed into the post on every play today before Courtney gets in foul trouble, I will be annoyed. She is the strength of that team and if you take her out it makes the game more manageable. KT, Marissa, Marah, must drive the lane and create contact.

Terps Cage Tigers, 76-52

It wasn't really the opening game I was expecting as we came out flat early (maybe due to the lack of Crystal) and seemed to not really want to take it at Princeton. Part of that could be to not show Oklahoma anything or maybe nerves again. You can tell defense was stressed again the offseason and it's ironic that it hurts the team offensively. I liked the way we played on defense, but sometimes we were blown by on the dribble and couldn't get around the screens on the threes.

Player of the Game: Jade Perry - She missed the first game of her career at the end of last season and I think she wanted to prove to Brenda that she shouldn't do that again. 12 points and 11 rebounds is a great way to start her senior year.

Looking at the checklist
1. Marissa, Kristi and Crystal combined for at least 50 points - N/A - Marissa and Kristi combined for 30
2. Crystal at least 20-30 touches per game on the offensive end - N/A
3. Crystal takes at least 10-15 shots per game - N/A
4. Fewer than 15 turnovers per game - minus - sloppy TO's including a few showtime TO's. don't need three passes in the lane on a fast break.
5. Shoot 70% from the free throw line - plus
6. Outrebound opponents - plus
7. Kristi to have more shots made than turnovers - plus - 7 to 4
8. Laura to take 5-10 shots per game. - plus - 8 shots
9. 5-10 steals per game - plus - 8
10. Fewer than 5 missed lay ups per game. - plus - I think I counted four, two on the fast break
11. At least 10 drives to the basket by the guards. - minus - I don't recall more than 10
12. Getting opposing team in foul trouble. - minus - Cowher had 1 foul all night and she is their best player.
Final Tally: 6 out of 9

Things to work on the next game:
- 3-pt shooting. If we are going to stick the perimeter, must shoot better.
- Harper at the line. 0-2 doesn't cut it and be more aggressive
- Harper getting in foul trouble doesn't help if we are down a post player
- attack the paint more.

Game #1: Princeton (WNIT)

And now it begins for real. Unlike last year, where we started the season on a six-game winning streak, this year we start fresh at 0 with Princeton hoping to be our first victim. To be honest, I have never seen Princeton play basketball and with a new coach I doubt there would be anything to go off of. I know Bill Cowher's daughter plays for them and I am hoping "The Chin" makes an appearance at the game.

For games this year I am going to keep a "checklist" on things we need to do well in order win. Feel free to add some if I missed any

1. Marissa, Kristi and Crystal combined for at least 50 points
2. Crystal at least 20-30 touches per game on the offensive end
3. Crystal takes at least 10-15 shots per game
4. Fewer than 15 turnovers per game
5. Shoot 70% from the free throw line
6. Outrebound opponents
7. Kristi to have more shots made than turnovers
8. Laura to take 5-10 shots per game.
9. 5-10 steals per game
10. Fewer than 5 missed lay ups per game.
11. At least 10 drives to the basket by the guards.
12. Getting opposing team in foul trouble.

Obviously the more we accomplish the better chance at winning, but I think at least 9 check marks should result in victory every night.

The game is on WMUC and ACC Select for those that can't be at the Comcast Center. By the way, was it me or was there no promotion for the women's game last night at the men's snoozefest?

Wednesday's Weblinks

Charlie Creme breaks down each of the 64 teams he expects to see in March

The Diamondback writes the team has high hopes for the upcoming season

the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review gives us 5 Things for 2007-08

Tuesday's Tidbits

A few people said I was a little harsh on the team after Wednesday's loss, but according to the poll on the left 47% of you expect a championship this year and 23 turnovers is not great no matter the talent. The 23 TOs are the most thus far against the USA Team. There were three positives since that game. No one has scored more than 74 against the USA Team, we are the only squad to outrebound them and the only squad to have a lead that late against them.

The AP poll is out and we are ranked fourth. You can see who voted for who, by clicking here

Mel Greenberg blogged about his trip to College Park for the USA Game.

ESPN.com has started their season preview. First up, the experts weigh in. Beth Mowins previews the conferences. Graham Hays writes about Maryland being ready to move on. Lastly, Kara Lawson blogs about the season.

Terps Fall to US National Team, 90-73

For the first time in a while, the Terps lost an exhibition game. Granted this was against the Senior National Team. It was amazing to see them have an advantage at every position and the team looked a little shocked at the beginning. Midway through the first half, they seemed to settle down and actually led at one point. The second half was a different story as Maryland looked tired and the US Team started making their shots. Although we only scored 73 points, that is on par with what most of these group of players had been giving up in the FIBA World Championships. To get a true feel for the team, we have to see how UConn and UT do against the US Team in the next few days.

What I liked:

Our aggressive style on defense. We did the best we could to interupt passing lanes and cause turnovers and deflections. The team seemed more committed to defense last night than last year, but we have to see how long that continues.

Rebounding. The US Team had height at every position, yet we still outrebounded them by 6.

Mingo and Lyons. Mingo seemed to settle in after a few minutes and Lyons was not afraid to shoot the ball, making the first three of the game.

What I didn't like

Turnovers. I know Taurasi called Toliver the best PG in the country, but I didn't see it last night. Too many forced passes and attempts to do too much. She needs to let the game come to her. 9 TO's is a bit much, especially after a summer at PG camp.

Free Throw Shooting. Too many missed especially if we are going to attack the basket.

No new wrinkles in the play book. Obviously, we slowed it down because the US Team got back quicker than us, but we seem to still be running the basic, pick at the top of the key play and then try to get a shot off. I would love to see more clear outs or plays that get us into the paint. We can be more than a jump shooting team.

What worries me

Depth. With Langhorne, Barrett, Rodgers and Wiley-Gatewood in street clothes (Lang should be fine for Princeton) we were down to 10 players and Wallace looks like she has a prosthetic leg with all the braces and tape jobs. We the ladies needed a break, the back up guards Newman and Marrone looked lost in the offense.

Conditioning. First game of the year and we were out of gas by the time the second half rolled around. You could see it in the players eyes that they were spent.

Second half problems still exist. A trend from last year reared its head again - being outscored in the second half. We always tend to play great in the first half and then come out of the gate in half two and before we know it the game is tied or blown open.

What I want to see vs. Princeton

Better control of the ball.

More attacking of the basket.

two solid halves

Marah Strickland coming out of her shell.

Whether you agree or disagree, discuss it on the message board.

It's GameDay - Terps Take on US National Team

Tonight is our first and only chance to work out the kinks before the season opens next Friday night against Princeton. Unfortunately, the US National Team is a hard team to work out the kinks against. Almost every player on the team is a star on the WNBA level and I doubt they will rollover and play easier like previous exhibiton opponents have.

Just an FYI, Crystal has a sprained foot according to TerrapinTimes, so it would be a shock to see her play tonight as we need her healthy for 39 games this year.

Here's what I want to see tonight:
- Better defense by everyone.
- Better decision-making by KT, no need to shoot every time down the floor.
- More Aggression and attacking the hoop.
- Better handling of the pressure.
- Post players with outside shots.


What do you think?

Terps Picked 4th in ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll

The first real poll of the season came out this morning and the Terps start the season ranked fourth with 637 points. Tennessee was one, followed by UConn and Rutgers.

Looking at the preseason poll, the Terps will play the #3 (Rutgers), #5 (LSU - NIT), #6 (Oklahoma), #7 (UNC), #9 (Duke - at least twice), #16 (Ohio State), #19 (Florida State), #21 (Pittsburgh), #25 (North Carolina State) as well as the following teams receiving votes: Middle Tennessee State, Notre Dame (NIT), Georgia Tech, UCLA, and Temple. That's 15 games (at least) against teams at least one coach thought was worthy of being in the Top 25.

More Articles

More articles previewing the season:

Annapolis Capital
Off Court
CSTV's List of Top PGs
CSTV previews the ACC

Maryland Media Day

Yesterday was media day on campus and in case you missed it, you can either watch Brenda's Press Conference or read her quotes or the players' quotes.

Some of the news outlets covered it:
Baltimore Sun
The Diamondback
Washington Post
Examiner
Examiner




In other news, USA Basketball finally announced its roster for Wednesday with the one surprise being Lisa Leslie's return to the court.

Monday Musings

- Chelsea Lee and April Sykes chose Rutgers, which is a real kick in the pants.
- Dee Liles recommitted to Maryland, let's hope she finally gets to wear a Terps uniform in 2008.
- Still no word on who will be coming with USA Basketball, but from putting together bits and pieces from releases, chances are we will be playing many of the players on the USA Select Roster listed here.
- TerrapinTimes is reporting that we crushed Georgetown 90-52 on Saturday. No stats are available.

Maryland picked to win ACC; Crystal Preseason POY

Maryland received 27 of 37 votes and is the preseason favorite in the ACC.

Crystal was tabbed Preseason Player of the Year, while Marissa was a Preseason All-ACC selection.

Let's hope we live up to these expectations.

Tuesday was ACC Media Day, yet no poll

Judging from articles on the web, it was ACC Media Day down in Greensboro and all the coaches were in attendance, except for Brenda, who missed the event with back spasms (not a good sign with still 5 months before the twins arrive). The preseason poll was not released and is expected to be released today. Below are the links to articles regarding the event.

Examiner

Greensboro News Record

Raleigh News and Observer

Examiner

Washington Times

Charlotte Observer

Burlington Times

USA Today

Not a good sign that the Post nor the Sun bothered to send anyone down there. Somehow Heather Dinich was able to go cover men's media day.

In other news, the WNBA Draft Lottery was held yesterday and LA won the first pick, followed by Chicago, Minnesota, Atlanta, Houston, Washington, New York, Seattle, Connecticut, Sacramento, Detroit, Indiana, Phoenix, New York. I know the basketcases would want Lang in the Capital City. Atlanta would be ironic as she again would start with a rebuilding team. Anywhere but NY as they tend to let draft picks sit on the bench.

Monday Musings

-Sorry for the delay been having computer issues.

- It was great to see the team back on the court at Maryland Madness, but would it have hurt to let the ladies play more than 5 minutes? Here's hoping Harper's long-range shooting wasn't a one-time thing and she mimics what Gist would do on the break last year - spot up from three and can it.

- Almost all the preseason polls are out and we are ranked as high as #2 with Langhorne being an All-American in every mag. SportsPage.com picked Maryland fifth as did the Black Athlete Sports Network.

- Jessica Garrison picks Crystal as one of the top six centers in the country.

- ACC Men's Media Day was yesterday, which means women's media day will be just around the corner. Will Lang be preseason POY? Will Maryland be picked to win it all?

- Looks like someone taped the women's dance at Media Day:

Potential 2018 Recruit: Nicky Greenberg

According ESPN Radio's Mike Golic, Coach B may already be interested in seven-year old Nicky Greenberg from Westport, CT after learning about her last night at the Jimmy V Dinner. According to her father, she can dribble with her left-hand and is already working on her cross-over dribble. Her father believes she will develop "mad hops" as she gets older. Early competition seems to be Rutgers.

Monday Musings

Less than 5 days until the first practice as Friday will be the first time many of see Drey Mingo, Marah Strickland and Kat Lyons in a Terp uniform. Unfortunately, Anjale and Kim are not healthy enough to suit up.

The roster page on umterps.com has been updated! Here are all the new head shots

According to this release two preseason mags ranked us 4th and one picked us fifth. Crystal and Marissa were also tabbed preseason All-Americans.

Crystal gets a back handed compliment in this article by Jeff Lippman. Last I checked, Crystal was more of a POY candidate than Abby Waner.

The Rebkell boards have a poll about most anticipated games. Somehow the person created it thinks that Maryland-UCLA is a huge game and completely avoided our games vs. LSU, Oklahoma, Rutgers and Ohio State.

TerrapinTimes reported that top prospect April Sykes was on campus over the weekend along with 08 target Dara Taylor from DE and 09 target Maggie Lucas from PA. Sykes is rumored to be down to us, Rutgers and Illinois. Also sounds like Cierra Brevard is heavily leaning towards FSU.

Welcome Back

Summer is over and the football team lost a critical game to Wake Forest on Saturday, it's time for basketball season.

I hope you like the changes around here and there are still more to come! Among the changes: new message board for all the fans to chat on during road games, polls, countdown timer, links to the opponents' sites and message boards.

It's been quite a summer in College Park:

almost all the coaches minus Coach Floyd treated the team like the Titanic and jumped off

Brenda is having twins just in time for the tournament. (Yes, there will be poll about naming the kids)

Lynetta Kizer has agreed to join the Terps in 09. Right now, she's the only one, but Terrapin Times tells me weekly that the next could be very soon.

Two recruits are already out for the season: Anjale Barrett and Kim Rodgers, both with leg injuries (we should insure all our recruits' legs before they step on campus - that's now three recruits in two years that can't play a minute of their freshman season because of injuries.)

Shay is no longer on the team and thanks to the great coaching of Patty Coyle Shay's ass found a permanent spot on the bench. (as did Ivory Latta's, which was great)

Duke hired a coach who likes to play zone on defense and who we have beaten in back-to-back seasons.


If you haven't seen it yet here is the commercial for Maryland women's basketball season tickets.