A blowout victory last night let the Maryland Terrapins get a glimpse of their future.
Freshman guard Mike Jones scored 25 points to lead the Terps over Maryland-Eastern Shore 87-38 before an announced 17,950 at Comcast Center. Maryland (9-3) overwhelmed UMES (0-8) in the opening minutes of both halves as the Terps finished their non-conference schedule with a 9-2 record. Maryland plays host to No.12 North Carolina on Jan.14.
Maryland’s starters averaged 26 minutes, but several reserves got a chance to showcase their talents. Jones converted two 3-pointers that were his prep trademark while also making 11 of 12 free throws.
“He’s a more aggressive shooter when he’s a threat to go to the basket,” Terps coach Gary Williams said. “Mike is making more of an effort on the defensive end.”
After averaging only 8.4 minutes in nine games, Jones played 23 minutes while making plays on both ends to delight the bored crowd. Jones conceded that the transition to college was harder than he expected.
“It was a little frustrating, but everything starts in practice,” he said. “It took patience.”
Freshman forward Ekene Ibekwe, getting his first start over Travis Garrison, had seven points, seven rebounds and four blocks. The crowd even gave a mock cheer when Ibekwe converted two free throws after the Terps missed five of their first six. Maryland finished 26 of 38 at the foul line.
“I usually give the starting five a lift [as the sixth man],” Ibekwe said. “I’ve been trying to be more aggressive. My timing is starting to improve on defense.”
Center Jamar Smith added 13 points and nine rebounds for Maryland in just missing his ninth double double. Forward Nik Caner-Medley added 15 points and guard John Gilchrist 13 as 11 Terps played and seven scored. Forward Carl Pruitt topped UMES with 10 points.
The Terps were sharp defensively. UMES converted only 14 of 54 shots, including two of 20 3-pointers. Though the Fighting Hawks outrebounded Maryland 21-19 in the first half, the Terps easily dominated underneath in the second for a 53-27 overall edge.
The lethargic first half at least went quickly, taking only 30 minutes as Maryland led 30-19 at intermission. UMES didn’t shoot a free throw and Maryland was 1-for-4 as the officials called only 11 fouls. UMES didn’t attempt its first foul shot until Pruitt converted two with 11:24 remaining in the second half.
The Terps led 9-0 and 17-2 with 12:40 remaining before failing to score an outside basket over the last nine minutes.
“The first half, Maryland-Eastern Shore did a great job controlling the tempo,” Williams said. “We thought it would be easy. It wasn’t. I was really disappointed with the way we played [early].”
The Terps opened the second half with a 10-0 run for a 40-19 lead with 15:25 remaining. Maryland made it 51-22 as UMES scored only on guard Tee Trotter’s 3-pointer over the first eight minutes. Jones soon scored 11 of Maryland’s 15 points for a 64-27 lead with 8:21 left.
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