Dec. 27, 1999
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) - Lonny Baxter had 20 points and 13 rebounds as No. 14 Maryland shook off the effects of a 16-day layoff and used a late surge to defeat George Mason 69-66 Monday night.
Terence Morris scored 20 points for the sluggish Terrapins (9-2), who had 18 turnovers and went 1-for-8 from 3-point range. Maryland didn't take the lead for good until Morris made one of two foul shots with 1:23 left.
It was the 70th straight non-conference home win for the Terrapins, playing for the first time since defeating Kentucky on Dec. 11. Surprisingly, George Mason proved to be a stiffer challenge.
George Evans scored 17 points for the Patriots (5-5). The defending Colonial Athletic Association champions fell to 0-12 against schools from the Atlantic Coast Conference, including 0-4 versus Maryland.
After Morris' free throw put the Terrapins up 65-64, Erik Herring misfired for the Patriots and Mike Mardesich hit a short hook to make it 67-64 with one minute to go. The Patriots then missed two chances to tie before Morris clinched the win by sinking one of two foul shots with 7.5 seconds remaining.
Baxter and Morris each scored four points in a 10-2 run that gave Maryland its biggest lead, 49-42 with 13:22 left. But the Patriots scored the next nine points, including five by Evans, to move in front with 10:57 to play.
Neither team led by more than two points until the final minute.
The Patriots missed 20 of 33 shots in the first half but trailed only 37-36, thanks to eight steals and a 17-16 rebounding edge over the taller Terrapins.
Maryland committed seven turnovers in the opening eight minutes in falling behind 18-17. The Patriots then went more than five minutes without a basket, but the Terrapins managed only three points during that span.
George Mason led 22-21 before Baxter scored four straight points and Danny Miller hit a 3-pointer to put Maryland up by six. The Patriots fought back, however, and held the lead briefly before Baxter scored the final basket of the half.
