It's amazing how a 6-6 record in college football might mean postseason while a the same mark in college hoops provides panic. Maryland has moved back from the ledge in the last two weeks, winning three straight since their 67-59 loss to American University December 22nd.
Some keys to the Terrapin turnaround...
James Gist has answered the challenge of senior leadership-on and off the floor. Last year Maryland had a plethora of seniors to rely on; James is the only 4th-year player on a team filled with freshmen...coach Gary Williams says Gist is taking his role as the leader of this year's team seriously-- and it's translated into improved play on the court: he's averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds during the streak-his best 3 game stretch of the season.
Offensive intensity...coach Gary Williams credited the team's lack off zip in attacking with the basketball as a major problem in December; the aggressive feel to the Terps offense has returned--the team's shot better 45% their last three games--in their first 12 games they hadn't even reached that mark in back to back outings.
Maryland wraps up pre-ACC play Tuesday by hosting Holy Cross--the Crusaders play a very deliberate style of offense that maximizes its possessions (47.5 shots a game-by contrast the Terps average 58 field goals per contest)...their main weapon is 6-11 center Tim Clifford (18 ppg on 60% shooting), whom they like to use a lot in the high-post.
Defensively coach Ralph Willard's team plays a matchup-zone, always a challenge for teams to prepare for (think Herb Sendek's NC State teams). The test Tuesday-- how patient will the Terps be against a constantly morphing defense (think Terminator 2). Eric Hayes and Greivis Vasquez need to keep their cool in directing and redirecting sets if they want to break down the Crusaders.
Other stops inside the Beltway this week: George Washington (St Louis) Thursday, Georgetown (UConn) Saturday.
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