flickr.com

In probably their biggest game of the season, #16 Maryland Terps blew up the #7 Duke Blue Devils 69-47, their biggest win over the Devils since 1993. The win ends the Terrapins two-game losing streak with a bang.

After a  slow start, marred by a sloppy opening first few minutes and quickly going down 7-0, Maryland (21-5, 7-4 ACC) came alive after an Alyssa Thomas jumper, a crucial steal and an Anjale Barrett three pointer all in the span of 30 seconds. With the raucous crowd back in it, the Terps eventually took a 17-16 lead with a little over five minutes left in the game.

Lynetta Kizer had a monster of a game with 17 points, nine rebounds and three steals. Alyssa Thomas had herself another double double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Tianna Hawkins also scored in double digits with 10.

Up 27-19 at the break, the Terps would allow Duke (23-3, 9-2 ACC) to chip away at the lead before a Terp run increased it yet again. Maryland almost let a 12 point lead slip, and eventually had it dwindle down to a 39-38 lead. But they responded with an 11-2 run that pretty much sealed the game up over the top team in the ACC.

Maryland was able to step up their defensive intensity, forcing 20 turnovers for the Devils and out rebounding them 42-31. Pre-season ACC Player of the Year Jasmine Thomas led Duke with 12 points but committed an uncharacteristic eight turnovers.

The Lady Terps have little time to relish the win, having to travel to #12 Florida State Sunday, Feb. 20 at 3 pm. A win in Tallahassee, would be huge for the Terps confidence, going into the postseason.

Player of the Game: Without a doubt this goes to the junior Lynetta Kizer. She was simply put a beast this game; 17 points, nine boards and three huge steals. She provided much needed spark when the team needed it.

Tianna Hawkins. Image from dcsportsbox.com.

The #14 Terps picked up their second consecutive blowout win and fourth straight ACC victory after demolishing the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 75-44 at the Comcast Center Friday evening.

Maryland  (17-3, 4-2 ACC) had their way with the lowly Deacons (10-15, 1-5 ACC) from the tip off, excluding an early Wake run that had the visitors within one at the 12 minute mark. But two double doubles from outstanding freshman Alyssa Thomas (19 points, 11 rebounds) and forward Tianna Hawkins (12 points 12 boards) proved too much for the Deacs to handle.  Kim Rodgers added 17 on a hot shooting night as Maryland held a 42-18 lead at the break.

The Terp D continued their inspired play, limiting Wake to an abysmal 19% from three point land and 28% from the field. They also forced 17 turnovers leading to 23 points for the offense.

Wake was led by Garcia Sandra with 14 points, yet did not receive enough help in her attempt lead the Deacons to their first win over Maryland since 2003.

Maryland remains at home for their final out of conference for a late matchup against Longwood University Sunday, Jan. 30 at 2pm.

Player of the Game: While Rodgers and Hawkins had great games, I have to give props to the freshman Alyssa Thomas. Thomas continues to amaze and is quickly becoming a force in the ACC, experience be damned. She picked her fifth double double in six ACC games and appears to be a lock for the ACC Rookie of the Year award.

highschoolsports.pennlive.com

At this point it seems forward Alyssa Thomas will be running away with the ACC Rookie of the Year Award after being named ACC Rookie of the Week for the fourth time this year.

Thomas, Maryland’s most highly touted recruit of this past class, is leading all rookies in scoring with 13.8 and in rebounds (7.7) which has turned her into a double double machine for the #14 Terps. She has had four in her first five ACC games.

The freshman has started every game for the Terps and now leads the team in scoring (13.8) and her offensive rebounds per ACC game (5.2)  are tops in the conference.

The Terrapins and Thomas will take on Wake Forest at the Comcast Center Friday Jan. 28 at 8:30pm.

Alyssa Thomas highschoolsports.pennlive.com

Coming off a two-point overtime win over Virginia, the #15 Terps decided to blowout the #10 North Carolina Tar Heels at the Comcast Center. Maryland surprisingly ran past the Tar Heels 88-65 Sunday night on national television.

Maryland (16-3, 3-2 ACC) found themselves trailing for about 30 seconds before steadily increasing their lead behind Alyssa Thomas’ fourth double double  (16 points and 13 rebounds) in five games and never looked back. Lynetta Kizer and Diandra Tchatchouang had another solid game with 12 points and 13 points, respectively. North Carolina was led by senior guard Italee Lucas with 17 points.

The lead ballooned to as much as 23 behind an impressive shooting night for the Terps who connected on 45% from behind the arch and an impressive 23-25 on the free throw line. They also dominated the Tar Heels (17-3, 3-2 ACC) on the boards, seemingly grabbing every big rebound for a 55-32 advantage.

However, there were stretches throughout the second half that Maryland appeared to get complacent and allow North Carolina to build a little momentum before the Lady Terps regrouped. They also handled the ball recklessly coughing up 28 turnovers, including 17 in the first half. While they are a young team, nearly 30 turnovers at home is a discomforting.

Maryland stays at home for a Friday night matchup against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Jan. 28 at 8:30pm. The game will also be on regional sports networks.

Player of the Game: This one was hard since everyone played pretty well, but Alyssa Thomas gets the nod for another double double. She has really stepped up her play during the ACC schedule and is quickly becoming Maryland’s best player. Thomas was clutch down the stretch as the Tar Heels fouled her; she was a perfect six for six from the line.