Jan. 20, 2009
Recap |
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Lights-Out Shooting: Aided by a sizzling shooting performance, Maryland never trailed in beating Virginia Tuesday night in an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup. The Terps shot a season-best 53.7percent from the field (previous best: 51.7 percent versus Delaware State on Dec. 12) and used a 12-0 run near the end of the first half to claim a commanding 15-point halftime lead en route to a hard-fought victory.
400th Conference Win: With its victory over Virginia, Maryland became the third ACC school to reach the 400-win mark in conference play. The Terps currently stand 400-389 (.507) all-time in league games, and trail only North Carolina and Duke in total ACC victories.
Offensive Output: The Terps' 45 first-half points against Virginia tied their highest output during the opening 20 minutes of any contest this season (also 45 versus George Washington on Dec. 7). Maryland shot 58.6 percent from the field during Tuesday's first half, finishing the contest just short of season highs with 30 assists and 29 field goals.
Inauguration Day is Our Day: The Terps improved to 4-1 all-time on Inauguration Day, having also won on the new president's first day in office in 1981, 1973 and 1937.
Buoyed by Bowie: Guard Adrian Bowie continued to have a hot hand for the Terps on Tuesday, contributing 17 points, including 13 in the first half. The sophomore now has scored in double figures in five of his last six games, averaging 14.0 ppg while shooting 55.4 percent (31 of 56) from the field during that span. He has been even more impressive during conference play, accounting for 16.3 ppg while shooting 57.5 percent (23 of 40) during the first four ACC games.
How About Hayes: Guard Eric Hayes had a career-high and team season-high 11 assists along with 10 points and no turnovers against the Cavaliers. That assist total marks the most by a Terp since Vasquez had 15 in a win over NC State on Feb. 9, 2008. Hayes' performance on Tuesday marked the first double-double of his career.
Maryland's No. 1: Forward Landon Milbourne fought his way to 17 points and a team-high five rebounds against Virginia. He has led the Terps in rebounding in each of the last four games (7.5 rpg in that stretch).
Neal the Real Deal: Forward Dave Neal scored the first five points of Tuesday's contest, missed time after taking an elbow to the face and returned to hit a clutch 3-pointer to help Maryland seal its victory.
Dino-Mite: Forward Dino Gregory enjoyed perhaps his best game as a Terp versus the Cavaliers. The sophomore hit his first four shots from the field en route to tying his career-best with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting.
Venezuelan Sensation: Guard Greivis Vasquez has been one of the conference's most productive players all season and Tuesday's game was no exception. The reigning All-ACC nominee notched 16 points against the Cavaliers, hitting several key free throws down the stretch. Vasquez, who has started 54 consecutive games for the Terps dating back to the 2007 ACC Tournament, has scored in double figures in 42 of his last 45 games.
Assist/Turnover Ratio: The Terps ranked third in the ACC in assist/turnover ratio (1.1) entering Tuesday's game and continued to perform well in that department against the Cavaliers. Maryland accumulated 20 assists to just 13 turnovers (1.5) versus Virginia. Conversely, the Terps forced 19 turnovers by the Cavaliers.
Free Throw Precision: Maryland entered the week leading the ACC and ranked seventh in the nation in free throw shooting (78.2 percent) and continued to shoot well from the stripe versus the Cavaliers, hitting 21 of 24 (87.5 percent). The Terps improved to 13-1 when they make more free throws than their opponents.
Getting Defensive: The Terps, who ranked third in the ACC in scoring defense entering Tuesday's game, are now 13-3 when they hold their opponent to less than 50 percent shooting from the field.
Record Book Update: Several Maryland players have continued their ascents this season through the Maryland record book. Hayes hit two 3-pointers on Tuesday, enabling him to pass Chris McCray (2003-06) and move into 13th place all-time in career 3-point field goals with 104. With 16 points on Tuesday, Vasquez now has 1,217 for his career and stands just two behind tying Steve Sheppard (1975-77) for 29th on Maryland's all-time list.
Coaching Legend: Now with 617 career victories overall, Gary Williams remains in sixth place among active NCAA Division I coaches. He stands two wins behind Houston coach Tom Penders for fifth place all-time. Williams, who posted his 400th win at Maryland with an overtime victory over Vermont on Nov. 21, also now has 410 career victories as coach of his alma mater.
That's Comcastic: The Terps now stand 96-21 (.821) all-time in games played on its current homecourt. Maryland is 102-50 (.671) at home in ACC games under Williams, including 33-15 (.688) in Comcast Center.
Trey Streak Intact: With Dave Neal's 3-pointer with 55 seconds into Tuesday's contest, the Terps extended their streak of hitting at least one shot from beyond the arc to 338 consecutive games.
Series Record: With its win Tuesday evening, Maryland improved to 103-66 all-time against Virginia, including 62-21 at home, in what represents the Terps' most-played series to date.
