Maryland Terrapins Men’s Basketball Continues to Dominate at Home
The Maryland Terrapins men’s basketball team continued their winning ways and proved once again that they are a tough out at home in the Xfinity Center, moving to 10-1 overall and 8-1 at home after beating the South Carolina Upstate Spartans of the Atlantic Sun conference 67-57. Junior forward Jake Layman (17 points, three rebounds and two assists) and freshman guard Melo Trimble (14 points, 12 rebounds and three assists) led the way for the Terps in a game where free throws and rebounding were key factors in the win.
In the first half, the Spartans did what they are known for: take the ball away. The Spartans got four of their five takeaways on steals, and they turned them into points going the other way. While both teams struggled from the field, the Terps still tried to defend amid the shooting slump they were in. The score at the end of the first had the Terps down by four, 28-24. Both teams’ baskets had lids on them as South Carolina Upstate went 10-31 (32 percent), and Maryland was no better at 9-35 (26 percent).
More from Maryland Terrapins
- Maryland Football: Terps honor Jordan McNair, beat Longhorns 34-29
- Maryland Terrapins: Roundup of Headlines in Maryland Sports
- Where Will Maryland Basketball’s Kevin Huerter Land in 2018 NBA Draft?
- Maryland Terrapins Offensive Lineman Jordan McNair Dies
- Remembering Maryland Basketball’s Cliff Tucker: Top 5 Best Moments
In the second half, the Terps tried a different approach and took the ball inside, continuing to get to the free throw line and draw fouls. In fact, by the end of the game, the Terps got to the free throw line 23 times, making 17 of them. Jake Layman capped off a 10-2 scoring run by way of a two-hand slam. That run was followed by three consecutive three-point buckets between Layman and senior forward Evan Smotrycz, who was coming off an injury prior to this game. The Terps, as a result, gained the lead 43-37 with 11:37 left to play.
From there, the Terps were able to answer every Spartans basket, and they never gave up the lead as a result. The Terps won by 10, 67-57, when it was all said and done. Layman scored 16 of his 17 points in the second half, while Melo Trimble was a big key for the Terps scoring and grabbing rebounds. Those two players moving forward are going to be X-factors for this Maryland Terrapins team. Evan Smotrycz coming back is a good thing moving forward as well, with the 10 points and six rebounds he was able to produce. It’s only a matter of time before this team shows everyone that they are for real.
It’s still early, and the Terps don’t have Dez Wells back healthy yet. He’s the final piece of the puzzle. Once he’s back and able to produce, this team is going to be dangerous.