For a Maryland team desperately in need of a signature win to boost its NCAA tournament resume, the timing was opportune for Mark Turgeon to spark Len's most complete performance of conference play.
Freshman guard Seth Allen overcame eight turnovers to finish with 16 points, including the winning free throws with two seconds remaining, and Maryland upset No. 2 Duke 83-81 on Saturday.
Joe Harris scored 22 points, and Virginia showed its flexibility with an uncharacteristic lights-out shooting performance in an 80-69 victory over Maryland on Sunday.
As James Padgett has soldiered through his senior season, the forward's dwindling minutes have stood in contrast to his elder statesman status. Out with veteran savvy, in with youthful potential.
Maryland spread the wealth, with six players — Logan Aronhalt, Alex Len, Jake Layman, James Padgett, Seth Allen and Dez Wells — scoring in double figures. Aronhalt led the way with 13 points, while Padgett poured in 12 on 6-for-6 shooting in his second start of ACC play.
Michael Snaer made a 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to lift Florida State to a 73-71 win over Maryland on Wednesday.
Duke is used to being on the right side of a blowout— not the losing end — and thanks to Rasheed Sulaimon, the Blue Devils got back to that familiar role.
North Carolina led Maryland by 22 points at the break after probably its best half of the season. That lead never dipped below double figures.
Len dropped in a missed shot by teammate Pe'Shon Howard with 00.9 seconds left, giving Maryland a stunning 51-50 victory over No. 14 North Carolina State on Wednesday night.
