After two tough losses, the Terps took advantage of shooting of Eric Hayes, Greivis Vasquez and Dave Neal to beat the Pack in Atlanta. Even Sean Mosely made two consecutive layups. Dino Gregory had a 3 point play and no one fouled out.
Jordan, my 10 year old sports guru, picked the Terps. I thought that my team was out of gas. For the first 10 minutes of game action I looked like a genius, Jordan was sullen and Mason (all of 8 years old) took off his Greivis jersey. I would not let Mason put the jersey back on until the 2nd half started.
Then, the team started to play. I think it was Dino who got it going. He raced downcourt after a break away Wolfpack layup attempt. He blocked the fast break. It ended up out of bounds to NC State. But that effort was the spark. Dino did not give up. 21 to 8 be dammed. He is one of Gary’s Terps.
From then on, it was night of offense. We scored 66 points in 29 minutes. Eric Hayes, who lost a close family friend and mentor in the last 24 hours to an untimely death, had the game of his Maryland career. EH had 21 points in his best Steve Blake imitation to date.
So what to do for tonight? Play the zone, hope that Wake stays slightly immature with the ball as they did on the visit to College Park. The press porbably will not work, as WF has great speed. Keep Greivis as the small forward / 2 guard. He was great last night as a reprise of running Juan Dixon plays off the curl.
If you can do those things, it leaves EH and “the Mayor” (Dave Neal) as 3 point threats. Make 40% and win. Go cold and go home.
*Tonight @ 7p on Ch 20 and ESPN2. If Terps win, next game is at 3:30p (or so) on Saturday.