The Terps are peaking at the right time. No longer are they a team that looks confused, out of control, and reckless. Memphis struggled in the first round against the lowly CSU-Northridge Matadors pulling it out in the last 6 minutes to win by 11. Prior to the start of the tournament, most would've thought that Memphis would be able to take care of the Terps. After Memphis' struggles in the first round and Maryland's solid win over Cal, this game may be much closer than previously expected.
Why Maryland will lose to Memphis:
1. Memphis has only lost 3 games: Statistically, Memphis is the hottest team in the country, winning their past 26 games. Their three losses are to legitimate opponents in Xavier, Syracuse, and Georgetown. One could argue that their winning streak can be attributed to the weakness of their conference. However I think that no matter who you play, winning 26 consecutive games and losing only 3 is remarkable.
2. Memphis is BIG: The Tigers start 2 players at least 6'9" and none shorter than 6'6". Memphis' two big men, Robert Dozier and Shwan Taggert, combine to average 23.2 points and 14.7 rebounds per game. There is no doubt that Memphis will get the ball to Dozier and Taggert as much as possible. Maryland has been able to occasionally limit big men like Tyler Hansborough but Memphis' two towers inside may be too much for the Terps to handle.
3. Tyreke Evans: The freshman ball handler for the Tigers averages over 16 points a game, 5 rebounds, and nearly 4 assists to go along with an average of 2 steals per game. Although he is not a substantial threat from three point range, he is a game changer who brings a lot of raw talent to the table.
4. Strong defense: Memphis is only allowing an unprecedented average of 57.3 points a game. In addition the Tigers are allowing their opponents to shoot a meager 36% from the field. With Maryland's occasional shakiness in ball handling, look for John Calipari's man-to-man defense to exploit the Maryland ball handlers.
5. Been there, done that: Memphis came up short last year in the finals of the NCAA tournament losing to Kansas. There is no doubt Memphis wants to avenge their loss. The Tigers are certainly capable of returning to the championship game. In addition, Memphis has not lost a second round matchup since losing to 3 seeeded Oklahoma State in 2004.
Why Maryland will beat Memphis:
1. The Terps have great guard play: Greivis Vasquez, Adrian Bowie, and Eric Hayes combined for 63 of Maryland's 84 points, 15 of their 18 assists, and only 5 turnovers against Cal on Thursday. If these three players continue to play smart and effective basketball against Memphis, I see no reason why they aren't capable of leading the Terps to the sweet 16.
2. Maryland has more big game experience this season: While Memphis has played against Gonzaga, Syracuse, and Xavier this season, the Tigers did not have the benefit of playing in the deep and talented ACC like Maryland. The strength of the ACC has prepared the Terps for anyone whereas Memphis has been beating up on teams like Southern Medodist, Houston, and Rice.
3. Memphis can't shoot free throws well: The Tigers are shooting 69% from the stripe this year. Against CSU-Northridge, Memphis shot 12-21 (57%). Since Memphis will be driving to the hoop a lot against the undersized Terps, expect for free throws to make a difference down the stretch against Maryland. The Terps on the other hand are shooting 77% from the line, good for 2nd best in the ACC.
4. Gary Williams: As mentioned in the Cal preview, Maryland has experience in the NCAA tournament, national championship experience. Gary Williams channels his passion and energy through his players and there is no doubt the Terps will be ready to play on Saturday.
5. Maryland is hot: The Terps were left for dead at 7-9 in the ACC after their embarassing loss to Virginia a couple weeks ago. Since that dissapointing game, the Terps have rebounded winning 3 out of their past 4. Of course Memphis has won 26 games in a row however Maryland is playing at a level that is currently capable of giving anyone a game.
What Maryland needs to do to beat Memphis:
1. Greivis Vasquez must continue leading: The Terps fiery leader continued his spectacular season against Cal scoring 27 points to go along with 4 assists and 5 rebounds. In the second half Vasquez shushed the crowd after stealing a Cal pass and scoring a lay-up. There is no doubt that Maryland's success is dependant on Vasquez's play. Vasquez is going to need to stay focused and play under control against Memphis like he did against Cal if Maryland wants a spot in the sweet 16.
2. Maintain strong defensive play: Memphis is going to drive to the basket much more than Cal did. Therefore Dave Neal and Dino Gregory are going to need to step up yet again to supress Memphis' inside game. Maryland has been able to limit teams with strong inside games this year however. Besides guarding the rim, Maryland is going to have to be especially agressive against Tyreke Evans. The freshman guard has an assist to turnover ratio of 1.07/1.
3. Attack the rim: Adrain Bowie was a prime example against Cal of how Maryland can spread the floor and open up players outside the arc when the Terps can effectively drive. Maryland isn't going to have the luxury of being able to easily attack the rim like they did against Cal. Memphis is an imposing group of players who are very underrated defensively. If Maryland isn't getting open looks from three, they will need to force the ball inside.
Prediction: Memphis 76 Maryland 72
I would like to hear what you have to say about this matchup. Feel free to disagree with anything I said and suggest your own reasons why Maryland or Memphis will win.
Showing posts with label Gary Williams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gary Williams. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Maryland lives and dies with Greivis Vasquez
Losing to Wake Forest tonight was not a surprise. Before the game, not many could have expected Maryland to beat the tenth ranked from Winston-Salem. But at the 7:44 mark in the second half when Dave Neal single handidly gave the Terps a 54-48 lead, a Maryland win didn't seem out of the question. Unfortunately, because of Maryland's reliance on their streaky leader, Greivis Vasquez, the Terps couldn't hang on.
Gary Williams is going to have to let his players know that they need to put this game behind them as they prepare for what may be their most important game of the season this coming Saturday against Virginia. The face off in Charlottesvile will be eerily similar to last years matchup. At this point last year, the Terps were on a downward slide needing only one more win to beef up their NCAA tourney resume. Maryland lost that game last year with their back's against the wall, 91-76, and they needed an ACC tournament win to have any chance of getting into the big dance. Maryland lost their first round matchup with Miami in the ACC tourney and returned to the NIT for the third time in four years.
Could it be deja vu all over again? Perhaps, but Gary Williams and Greivis Vasquez have a chance to make up for the close loss tonight by going into Virginia and building their case for the selection comittee. Fortunately, the game is four days away; plenty of time to rest. I believe the two days that Maryland had off prior to tonight's game was partially to blame for why Maryland wasn't able to play the full 40 minutes.
Virginia has been playing better than their 3-12 ACC record suggests. They have won two of their past four home games which included a win against then 11th ranked Clemson. In addition, Virginia only lost to Miami by seven points and Wake Forest by 10. Although on paper it would appear that Maryland has the edge, Virginia will have the advantage in the always important intangibles this Saturday. It appears Maryland let their best chance at reaching 8 conference wins slip away tonight.
Gary Williams is going to have to let his players know that they need to put this game behind them as they prepare for what may be their most important game of the season this coming Saturday against Virginia. The face off in Charlottesvile will be eerily similar to last years matchup. At this point last year, the Terps were on a downward slide needing only one more win to beef up their NCAA tourney resume. Maryland lost that game last year with their back's against the wall, 91-76, and they needed an ACC tournament win to have any chance of getting into the big dance. Maryland lost their first round matchup with Miami in the ACC tourney and returned to the NIT for the third time in four years.
Could it be deja vu all over again? Perhaps, but Gary Williams and Greivis Vasquez have a chance to make up for the close loss tonight by going into Virginia and building their case for the selection comittee. Fortunately, the game is four days away; plenty of time to rest. I believe the two days that Maryland had off prior to tonight's game was partially to blame for why Maryland wasn't able to play the full 40 minutes.
Virginia has been playing better than their 3-12 ACC record suggests. They have won two of their past four home games which included a win against then 11th ranked Clemson. In addition, Virginia only lost to Miami by seven points and Wake Forest by 10. Although on paper it would appear that Maryland has the edge, Virginia will have the advantage in the always important intangibles this Saturday. It appears Maryland let their best chance at reaching 8 conference wins slip away tonight.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The O's and Terps take small but critical strides forward
Andy MacPhail has proved yet again that he follows through with his promises made at the beginning of the offseason.
The Orioles have filled almost all of the gaps, albeit with mediocre talent, left at the end of last season. It's no mystery that the O's biggest weakness is pitching. MacPhail realized that in order to compete in one of the deepest divisions in the history of major league baseball, the Orioles need to focus on restructuring their starting rotation.
It's a shame that Jeremy Guthrie is the ace for two reasons. One, he hasn't proved that he is a capable starter for an entire season. Two, the Orioles shouldn't be forcing a man who really is a solid number 2 or 3 starter to carry the weight of being the ace. As much as O's fans love the guy's attitude and work ethic, he shouldn't be asked to do too much. At the same token, what else are the Orioles to do? They clearly aren't willing to shell out big bucks on top name starters nor are they ready to bring up top pitching prospects such as Brian Matusz or Chris Tillman.
Fotunately, the four remaining rotation spots are quickly being filled by average to below-average starters. Don't be surprised if one of the newly acquired fill-ins ends up panning out to be a decent starter for the O's down the road. Mark Hendrickson, Rich Hill, and Koji Uehara at some point in their careers have had a very solid season. Rich Hill may be the second incarnation of Daniel Cabrera for O's due to his lack of control but the dice are bound to fall in the O's favor once in a while.
I could go all day about the Orioles recent woes (if you consider 11 years 'recent') but I won't. I'll talk about the Terps woes instead.
The Terps won what may have been their most important game of the season last Saturday against Miami. It will feel like, however, that every game here on out will be their most important game of the season. For the sake of Gary Williams and the program as a whole, the Terps need something positive to springboard off of for upcoming years. The Terps have come too far to fall so fast.
Beating third ranked UNC Tuesday night would be a nice place to start. No one can expect the Terps to win in Chapel Hill (even though they shocked college basketball nation last year by dethroning the then top ranked Tar Heels) but the Terps simply cannot be embarassed for the second straight time in the tri-city area. Miserably failing against Duke two weeks ago in addition to the dissapointment during the past few seasons culminated in the lowest Maryland basketball fans have felt since the death of Len Bias.
I am not going to get too far ahead of myself. The Terps may very well finish 6-10 in the ACC likely resulting in the abrupt dismissal or retirement of Gary Williams and another trip to the NIT, if they're lucky.
On the flip side, the Terps might surprise us again Tuesday and salvage their brutal first half of ACC play.
--BK
The Orioles have filled almost all of the gaps, albeit with mediocre talent, left at the end of last season. It's no mystery that the O's biggest weakness is pitching. MacPhail realized that in order to compete in one of the deepest divisions in the history of major league baseball, the Orioles need to focus on restructuring their starting rotation.
It's a shame that Jeremy Guthrie is the ace for two reasons. One, he hasn't proved that he is a capable starter for an entire season. Two, the Orioles shouldn't be forcing a man who really is a solid number 2 or 3 starter to carry the weight of being the ace. As much as O's fans love the guy's attitude and work ethic, he shouldn't be asked to do too much. At the same token, what else are the Orioles to do? They clearly aren't willing to shell out big bucks on top name starters nor are they ready to bring up top pitching prospects such as Brian Matusz or Chris Tillman.
Fotunately, the four remaining rotation spots are quickly being filled by average to below-average starters. Don't be surprised if one of the newly acquired fill-ins ends up panning out to be a decent starter for the O's down the road. Mark Hendrickson, Rich Hill, and Koji Uehara at some point in their careers have had a very solid season. Rich Hill may be the second incarnation of Daniel Cabrera for O's due to his lack of control but the dice are bound to fall in the O's favor once in a while.
I could go all day about the Orioles recent woes (if you consider 11 years 'recent') but I won't. I'll talk about the Terps woes instead.
The Terps won what may have been their most important game of the season last Saturday against Miami. It will feel like, however, that every game here on out will be their most important game of the season. For the sake of Gary Williams and the program as a whole, the Terps need something positive to springboard off of for upcoming years. The Terps have come too far to fall so fast.
Beating third ranked UNC Tuesday night would be a nice place to start. No one can expect the Terps to win in Chapel Hill (even though they shocked college basketball nation last year by dethroning the then top ranked Tar Heels) but the Terps simply cannot be embarassed for the second straight time in the tri-city area. Miserably failing against Duke two weeks ago in addition to the dissapointment during the past few seasons culminated in the lowest Maryland basketball fans have felt since the death of Len Bias.
I am not going to get too far ahead of myself. The Terps may very well finish 6-10 in the ACC likely resulting in the abrupt dismissal or retirement of Gary Williams and another trip to the NIT, if they're lucky.
On the flip side, the Terps might surprise us again Tuesday and salvage their brutal first half of ACC play.
--BK
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Welcome!!
First things first: I love all things sports related in the state of Maryland. The Orioles, Ravens, and Terps are my favorites, but don't be surprised if I bring up Hopkins lacrosse or even the Baltimore Blast. Every week, I will post my take on any of the aforementioned teams and their current state.
Perhaps I am motivated to begin a blog simply because the shocking success of the Baltimore Ravens and the emergence of a Real quarterback in Joe Flacco has raised my spirits and optimism for local sports. It was only one year ago when the Ravens endured one of their most dissapointing seasons in franchise history following their most successful regular season.
The Orioles were blindly moving forward and looking towards the future with a false sense of hope.
The Maryland Terrapins football team failed to pose a significant threat in the ACC yet again.
Finally, the Terps men's basketball team failed yet again to make the NCAA tournament forcing their fans to root for underdog local teams like Mount St. Mary's, Coppin State, and UMBC.
As of now, ALL of those teams have reversed their fortunes. Amazingly, without using the Yankee method of spending carelessly, these teams have carefully restructured themselves starting from the top. The reigns were handed over to new (not necessarily more experienced or more knowledgable) people. Brian Billick out, John Harbaugh in. Whoever was running the show for the O's out, Andy MacPhail and the beacon of light, in. The more lenient Ralph Friedgien out, the more intense Fridge in (maybe due to the concern over his lack of job security). With the exception of the wandering Terps basketball team, the O's, Ravens, and Terps football program all have legitimate reasons to feel optimistic about the future.
BK's Take on the state of the Maryland Terps Men's Basketball team:
The Maryland men's basketball team, on the other hand, should not feel optimistic. Local recruiting has all but vanished, the legendary Gary Williams is past his prime, and the loyal fans are starting to lose faith in one of the most succesful ACC programs of the past two decades. It's almost sad that a team who won it's first National Championship and an ACC Championship in the past decade has failed to find any kind of consistency recently, missing the tourney 3 times in the past 4 years. It would only make sense to relieve Gary Williams of his duties after this season if they fail to reach the tourney yet again. If Athletic Director Debbie Yow lets go of Gary, she will take on the burden of replacing a living legend. A younger and perhaps Baltimore based (for recruiting purposes) head coach would be the optimal choice for more consistent success down the road. Do I hear a faint Boooooooth cheer? The program can't afford to miss out on former local talents such as Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and even the Miami star Jack McClinton. This program will return to the tournament one day, but I don't suspect the team will be lead by Gary Williams when it happens.
Thanks for reading! Although I wandered and was a bit abstract, I wanted to get my point across that local sports are or will be on the rise. Expect another post in about a week.
--BK
Perhaps I am motivated to begin a blog simply because the shocking success of the Baltimore Ravens and the emergence of a Real quarterback in Joe Flacco has raised my spirits and optimism for local sports. It was only one year ago when the Ravens endured one of their most dissapointing seasons in franchise history following their most successful regular season.
The Orioles were blindly moving forward and looking towards the future with a false sense of hope.
The Maryland Terrapins football team failed to pose a significant threat in the ACC yet again.
Finally, the Terps men's basketball team failed yet again to make the NCAA tournament forcing their fans to root for underdog local teams like Mount St. Mary's, Coppin State, and UMBC.
As of now, ALL of those teams have reversed their fortunes. Amazingly, without using the Yankee method of spending carelessly, these teams have carefully restructured themselves starting from the top. The reigns were handed over to new (not necessarily more experienced or more knowledgable) people. Brian Billick out, John Harbaugh in. Whoever was running the show for the O's out, Andy MacPhail and the beacon of light, in. The more lenient Ralph Friedgien out, the more intense Fridge in (maybe due to the concern over his lack of job security). With the exception of the wandering Terps basketball team, the O's, Ravens, and Terps football program all have legitimate reasons to feel optimistic about the future.
BK's Take on the state of the Maryland Terps Men's Basketball team:
The Maryland men's basketball team, on the other hand, should not feel optimistic. Local recruiting has all but vanished, the legendary Gary Williams is past his prime, and the loyal fans are starting to lose faith in one of the most succesful ACC programs of the past two decades. It's almost sad that a team who won it's first National Championship and an ACC Championship in the past decade has failed to find any kind of consistency recently, missing the tourney 3 times in the past 4 years. It would only make sense to relieve Gary Williams of his duties after this season if they fail to reach the tourney yet again. If Athletic Director Debbie Yow lets go of Gary, she will take on the burden of replacing a living legend. A younger and perhaps Baltimore based (for recruiting purposes) head coach would be the optimal choice for more consistent success down the road. Do I hear a faint Boooooooth cheer? The program can't afford to miss out on former local talents such as Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and even the Miami star Jack McClinton. This program will return to the tournament one day, but I don't suspect the team will be lead by Gary Williams when it happens.
Thanks for reading! Although I wandered and was a bit abstract, I wanted to get my point across that local sports are or will be on the rise. Expect another post in about a week.
--BK
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
