Maryland overcame a slow start and subpar shooting from leading scorer Anthony Cowan Jr. to pull away from Indiana 75-59.
The Hoosiers presented Maryland a tough challenge in the Terrapins first game in a week. And early on it appeared Maryland was in for a dogfight. However, they locked in on defense forcing 14 Indiana turnovers.
Maryland held the high-scoring Hoosiers to 20 points below their season average and 36.1% shooting from the field.
The Terrapins also attacked the glass once they recovered from poor shooting from the outside. That led to opportunities at the free throw line as they made 21-of-25 free throws.
1. Slow Start Continues to Haunt Maryland
Part of the Terrapins’ struggles this season have been their slow starts. They needed avoid one and jump on the talented Indiana team. Unfortunately for Mark Turgeon’s team, that did not happen.
Maryland opened 3-of-15 from the floor and 0-of-4 from three for the game. During the under 12-minute TV timeout, Turgeon barked at his team about their shot selection and inability to move the ball.
Often times Maryland got stagnant and missed pop outs along the wing and corner to force tougher shots. Fortunately, they settled down and their defense revved up to get the win.
2. Player of the Game: Jalen Smith
It was Jalen Smith that settled the team down. He hit back-to-back threes that cut an early deficit to two at 16-14.
That sparked an 11-0 run by the Terrapins that swung the momentum and lead in their favor. Up 22-16, Maryland started to take control of the game and it was largely thanks to Smith’s two buckets.
He continued to insert himself into the game, finishing with a game-high 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting. He also matched Aaron Wiggins with a team-high eight rebounds. His approached softened Indiana defense and helped everyone else to get going, as the Hoosiers focused on the big man.
3. Darryl Morsell and Aaron Wiggins Impressed
Darryl Morsell and Aaron Wiggins took turns aiding Smith on both ends of the floor. The two combined for 25 points and 11 rebounds.
Morsell attacked the basket early in the game with two layups that helped spring open the game. He could have had more as he often times was opened on the wing or corner and just did not get the ball.
But he made the Hoosiers defense pay when he did. He finished with 13 points.
Wiggins has struggled shooting throughout the season, shooting less than 30% in six games. On Saturday he did a good job of attacking the basket. He finished with 12 points and contributed on the defensive glass with eight rebounds.
He was able to show his athleticism as his continues to get his shooting back to par. And Maryland benefited greatly from it.
4. Anthony Cowan Struggles Shooting Continues
Cowan shot 4-of-13 from the field, including 1-of-6 from three. The junior point guard has not shot 40% or better since a Dec. 7 game against Illinois.
He took shots out of rhythm or forced up shots in the paint while missing kick outs, especially in the first half. He settled down some after Smith, Morsell and Wiggins picked up the slack.
Cowan contributed in others way, dishing out six assists and grabbing six rebounds. Yet, if Maryland wants to contend in the deep Big Ten and push for a Final Four, Cowan must improve his shot selection and start knocking them down.
5. Frontcourt Concerns Remain Despite Win
The Mitchell twins’ departure left a huge hole in Maryland’s frontcourt. It showed against Indiana. The Hoosiers got too many second chance opportunities, grabbing 14 offensive rebounds in the game. Maryland was outrebounded 41-38.
Chol Marial and Ricky Lindo combined for two points and six rebounds. Marial picked up four fouls in limited action, as he continues to work back into game shape.
Turgeon turned to freshman Donta Scott. However, he struggled to handle the Indiana interior, specifically Joey Brunk.
Maryland’s perimeter defense along with Smith overcame the concerns inside in this game. Moving forward, Maryland will have to get more from Marial, Lindo and Scott to erase the frontcourt concerns and balance the team on both ends inside.
