College Sports

Maryland Defeats Ohio State 72-62, Inch Closer to Double Bye

By Hunter Rooney

Posted on February 23, 2019

Maryland entered Saturday’s contest against the Ohio State Buckeyes with a firm grasp on fourth place in the Big Ten. With only four games left in the regular season, every game matters in positioning and the ability to receive a double bye in the Big Ten Tournament. This was a big game in determining the Terrapins possible postseason outlook heading into the final stretch of the regular season

Anthony Cowan Jr. came out on fire in the first half, hitting his first four shots including two 3-pointers. Cowan completely controlled the pace of the game on offense, and was the main reason the Terrapins had the lead at halftime. Cowan would go on to finish the game with 19 points along with 4 assists.

Serrel Smith had a big contribution off the bench, adding eight points in the first half. Smith played fast and brought energy off the bench. Smith scored the Terrapins final six points of the half, as the Terrapins took a 33-28 lead into the break.

Serrel Smith has Maryland's last 6 points, including this nice take for the Terps final bucket of the half. pic.twitter.com/5x9ykMRX01

— Justin Fitzgerald (@jfitzgerald52) February 23, 2019

Part of the reason for the production of Serrel Smith Jr is that he was forced into more playing time due to the injury of freshman guard Eric Ayala. Ayala only played 10 minutes, and headed to the locker room late in the first half with an apparent injury, however after the game Mark Turgeon clarified that Ayala was just under the weather.

Bruno Fernando got it going in the second half scoring all 14 of his points after halftime. Fernando once again after a slow first half, picked it up in the second after wearing down the opposing defense. The biggest difference between the half is that Bruno was catching the ball too far off the block in the first, but in the second was able to get the ball deeper and get better looks. Fernando also held Ohio State standout Caleb Wesson to only 3 of 12 from the field, which Mark Turgeon applauded saying that “Bruno played outstanding”. Once again, Bruno Fernando is showing that there is no matchup too tough for him.

[ Under 16 ] #Terps 41, Ohio State 36

Bruno with 6 points to start the half, and getting XFINITY Center hyped! #FearTheTurtle pic.twitter.com/vB5OYR2ijk

— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) February 23, 2019

Maryland’s defensive effort was outstanding in today’s matchup, continuing the trend of dominant defense that has been present in the last several games. Maryland has not allowed 70 points in their last seven games, with the last occurrence being in late January against Illinois. The Terrapins only allowed 62 points in today’s 72-62 win, and for the most part played solid throughout the entire game. Ohio State was able to hit 11 three pointers, but only shot 36.5% overall from the field in a game they struggled to get many open looks. Maryland’s defensive consistency along with their rebounding prowess looks to be their biggest strength, and could help them make a deep run in the conference tournament.

Game Ball: Serrel Smith Jr.

Serrel Smith Jr. came up big time with 14 points off the bench, filling in for Eric Ayala. Ayala is one of the most important players for the Terrapins, and when he exited the game in the first half, Serrel stepped up big time. Smith hit a few clutch 3-pointers but he also made a huge difference in he second half on defense.

Turgeon on Serrel Smith’s work ethic and his ability to be ready when called upon #FearTheTurtle #Terps100 pic.twitter.com/i57ixlCU6e

— DMV Sports Network (@DMV_SN) February 23, 2019

Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon highlighted Serrel Smith Jr.’s defensive efforts saying that “Serrel really guarded well in the second half, got his hand on some balls, and did some really good things.” Although Cowan and Fernando had really good games, it was the impact of Serrel Smith Jr. that left the biggest mark on the Terrapins big win.