Terps Rally From 16-point Deficit To Defeat UCLA, 79-75

Well, that had to be the worst we have played all season. UCLA got the UCSB message that pressing and hounding KT is the way to keep Maryland's scoring down. UCLA was in our head for most of the second half and it resulted in sloppy play and trailing by 16 with 6:47 to play. Then UCLA went into a shell and Maryland scored 19 of the next 21 points to take a 1 pt lead with 2:03 to go. To repeat in a span of 4:45 Maryland scored 19 points and played stifling defense. So my main question is why did it take a 16-point deficit for us to play defense and run a decent offense?

Yes, we were tired and yes, UCLA was all over us, but I thought we had gotten past the foolish turnovers when the press goes on? I was impressed with the way we responded as last year we would have given up, but we can't have this type of effort against pressing teams.

It was good to see Crystal back out there, but her hands were not there tonight and she seems to be struggling with controlling the ball. She lost several rebounds that the last few years she would have never let get away.

Jade needs to reappear as does Mingo. When the posts are in foul trouble we have to count on them.

The guards need to attack the rim if the defense is going to play that tight. At one points Rogers was on Coleman. Coleman should demand the ball and attack the slower defender.

Player of the Game: Marah Strickland. 9 points, 2 rebounds and 0 turnovers. 6 of those points came down the stretch (two at the FT line with the game on the line)and she grabbed a key rebound when we will pulled within 1.

Things to Work on

Breaking the press

Attacking the paint - Rogers and Pluimer finished with 2 fouls apiece. Rogers didn't pick up a foul in the second half.

Playing physical. We tend to shy away from contact instead of using it to our advantage to draw fouls.

Next up: Pittsburgh on Tuesday night at home.