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.