Dec. 2, 2000
Box Score
By JOSEPH WHITE
AP Sports Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -
Frustrated by its worst start in 32 years, Maryland took
it out on young and raw Michigan.
Juan Dixon had 19 points and Lonny Baxter had 17 as the No. 13 Terrapins led
from start to finish in Saturday's 82-51 rout in the semifinals of the BB&T
Classic.
"This is how we need to play," Maryland point guard Steve Blake said. "We
are on the right track. Hopefully we can keep it on track. It was great to get
this win and get on a roll."
Maryland, playing close to home for the first time this season, will meet
either No. 19 St. John's or George Washington in Sunday's championship game.
Ranked No. 5 in the preseason poll, the Terrapins (2-3) had a rough road
against tough opposition at the Maui Invitational in Hawaii and the ACC-Big 10
Challenge in Wisconsin.
The Wolverines (2-3), who started three freshmen and a sophomore, were the
perfect remedy. Maryland took leads of 16-7, 29-15 and scored the last 11
points of the first half to go up 45-23.
"We were frustrated, but we also have our pride as a team," Maryland coach
Gary Williams said. "We know what we can do as a basketball team. It was tough
in November, but only the good teams play in November in those types of
tournaments. It's hard on the players to play every game at that level."
The first sure sign that Maryland was righting itself came 1:49 into the
game, when long-range threat Dixon made his first 3-pointer after starting the
season 0-for-9.
Baxter also went to work early, overwhelming 7-foot-2 freshman Josh Moore
with a three-point play and a basket off an offensive rebound in the first
three minutes. Baxter, the consistent bright spot during the three losses, even
had a steal-and-assist in open court on a feed to Danny Miller for a layup that
made it 22-11.
"Lonny Baxter, he's really had some good games before today," Williams
said. "But because we haven't won all those games, a lot of people haven't
said too much about it."
The Terrapins had just three turnovers at halftime, while forcing 10 by the
Wolverines. The suspense-lacking second half turned sloppy at times, and
Michigan finished with 24 turnovers to Maryland's 12.
Michigan never cut the lead below 20 points after halftime, allowing
Williams to rest Baxter, Dixon and the rest of the starters. No one played more
than 25 minutes for the Terrapins.
LaVell Blanchard, whose 19 points per game led Michigan going into the game,
made just 3 of 13 shots and finished with eight points. Bernard Robinson was
the Wolverines' top scorer with 20 points and seven rebounds.
"Gary's team came out with their backs against the wall," Michigan coach
Brian Ellerbe said. "We didn't have defensive intensity. I can't put my finger
on why."
