Oct. 25, 2006
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland men's basketball team held its second open scrimmage on Wednesday (October 25) at Comcast Center. Coach Gary Williams interchanged players between the red and black squads during the 40-minute scrimmage which saw a dramatic increase in defensive intensity from their first scrimmage. The two teams combined for 144 points and shot 46 percent from the field.
Senior Mike Jones opened the scoring with a three-point basket off an assist from Greivis Vasquez. Jones finished with 19 points, while Vasquez led all scorers with 24 points and dished out a team-high six assists.
Both teams employed full-court defense during the second period, before playing zone defense in the third stanza. The Terps knocked down 16 of 35 three-point field goals and recorded 24 assists on 47 field goals.
Senior Ekene Ibekwe tallied 16 points and three blocked shots, including a dramatic block of a James Gist dunk in the second period. Gist would later thrill the crowd with a tip-dunk in the final minute of the second period. Jones closed the stanza on the ensuing possession with an 18-foot jumper from the top of the key as time expired.
Senior D.J. Strawberry added 22 points and seven rebounds. He came up with a steal and turned it into a breakaway dunk midway through the third period. Freshman Landon Milbourne continued his development with 11 points, while Will Bowers added nine points and six rebounds.
Coach Williams hosted a question and answer session with students following the scrimmage. In addition, players and coaches signed autographs and spoke with students about the upcoming season.
The Terps will host their final public scrimmage on Saturday, October 28 at 3:30 p.m. Maryland plays its first exhibition contest of the season on November 1, when the Terrapins take on California (Pa.) at 8:00 p.m.
Head Coach Gary Williams
On what he was looking to get out of the scrimmage ...
"Conditioning is a factor this time of year and I think every time you play 40 minutes it's a good thing. It's a chance to show the players tape and give them feedback on something more than just drills in a normal practice."
On the progress of the newcomers ...
"The first thing you have to look at is how they're integrating into the program, and if they're accepted by the returning players. Our new guys have come in and fit right in from the start. They're working hard and getting better with each day on the floor."
On the possibility of playing three guard s during the year ...
"With our current roster we have five guys that we can rotate among the three spots. With D.J., Eric, and Greivis, we have three really good ballhandlers. They're all capable of handling the ball late in the game and because they're good free throw shooters you feel comfortable with them on the floor."
