No, that box score from last night does not lie.
Maryland really did have two players in double figures off the bench.
SEE RELATED:
Cliff Tucker had 13 points, doing much of his damage before halftime. Jordan Williams collected 12 points, bruising Winston-Salem State after the break in a 98-55 rout at Comcast Center.
And just like that, Maryland’s total of double-digit scoring nights from a reserve this season doubled.
The previous list:
20: Greivis Vasquez, Eastern Kentucky (D12)
10: James Padgett, Charleston Southern (N13)
Obviously, if Vasquez could have shown up to a shootaround on time, that wouldn’t be a list. It would be a line.
No huge conclusions should be drawn from such a lopsided game. But Williams was easily the Terps’ best inside player last night, exploiting his size and brawn to shred the Rams when given a chance. And Tucker showed another glimpse of the player he can be —- which, as he himself noted last night, hasn’t always stuck around for consecutive games in the past.
Of the Terps’ reserves going forward (assuming Williams continues to spell Dino Gregory), Tucker and Williams are the most likely for explosive scoring nights. Tucker’s sweet shot and transition game and Williams’ size and ability to put back missed shots give them that chance.
And how much of a difference would it be? It may dictate Maryland’s long-term upside. Greivis Vasquez is still the focal points, Sean Mosley and Landon Milbourne are reliable, and Eric Hayes can be counted upon for stealthy good lines every night. If Maryland has a No. 5 and No. 6 scorer, it can do some damage once conference play arrives.
—- Patrick Stevens
