In their second straight home game wearing the gold jerseys, Maryland delivered a must-win game, winning against Virginia Tech 83-73 on Valentine's Day. They have now won three of their last four games, and although NCAA Tournament hopes are still bleak, this game was what Maryland needed, a strong game from start to finish.Landon Milbourne and Greivis Vasquez led the way for Maryland with 23 and 17 point respectively as they were both strong against the Hokie defense. Maryland played an eight-man rotation with heavy guard play and fast-paced shooting. Maryland depended on the backcourt three-point shooting and did not try to challenge the frontcourt too much, though the transition play was killer.
I'm not sure what it is about the Comcast Center, but opposing star players do not do well here. Virginia Tech's big-3 did not do well as a trio. Malcolm Delaney, local kid from Towson Catholic, was very cold early on and didn't get the bulk of his 16 points until late. Jeff Allen had eight points and nine boards, but did not have an overall good game. A.D. Vassallo had 20 points, but the other two were not up to par. Add Delaney to the list of Silven Landesburg and Jack McClinton to players that did not play well in the Comcast Center.
Overal, this was a must-win game, and the Terps came through in good fashion. Maryland has three ranked teams in a row on their schedule, at Clemson, then back home for North Carolina and Duke. At the very least they need one victory, though two would be amazing for them. But if they lose all three, which odds in all of those say they will, then their tournament hopes are all but over.
(Photo credit: Baltimore Sun)
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