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Maryland Basketball: Melo Trimble the key vs. Michigan

By Chris Bengel

Feb 3, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) hits a three point shot against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Maryland defeated Nebraska 70-65. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) hits a three point shot against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Maryland defeated Nebraska 70-65. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s been a rough week for the Maryland basketball team.

In order for the Terrapins to get back on track, Melo Trimble will have to be the key.

Maryland returns to the hardwood on Sunday when Michigan travels to College Park. The Wolverines are coming off a loss against Ohio State, so they could be just as hungry as the Terps.

That’ll be even more of a reason to get Trimble going in Sunday’s Big Ten matchup.

Over the course of his two seasons at Maryland, Trimble has been a constant force. However, Trimble hasn’t seemed like himself recently.

Over the last four games, the former Bishop O’Connell (Va.) star has connected on just seven of his 38 field goal attempts and has scored no more than 14 points. The 14-point effort came against Purdue, but 10 of those points came from the free throw line.

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    • During that span, Trimble is only averaging 9.8 points-per-game, but is doing well in supporting categories.

    He has also averaged 5.5 assists-per-game and 4.8 rebounds-per-game, so Trimble is certainly heavily involved in the outcome of the game. Trimble also is exceeding his season average in those categories over the last four games.

    Trimble’s play has been up and down throughout Big Ten play with four games where he only scored in the single digits.

    Whether it’s a confidence thing or being a little a more banged up than he’s letting on, Trimble isn’t himself scoring the basketball and it has showed. His jump shot just doesn’t look fluid as it normally does.

    In order for Maryland to make a serious run at a national title, Trimble needs to be the focal point of Maryland’s offense.

    On Sunday, Maryland faces a tough Michigan squad that has a trio of quick guards in Zak Irvin, Duncan Robinson, and Derrick Walton Jr. that could make life difficult for Trimble.

    The Terps need to do everything they can to get Trimble going early on. It could be beneficial to get Trimble’s confidence going on some pick-and-roll plays and getting the guard free for some midrange jump shots.

    The worst thing Trimble can do is settle for jump shots from the perimeter. He’s going to need to find a groove and get his confidence going early in the first half.

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    It goes without saying how important this game is for Maryland on Sunday afternoon. After a horrific loss to Minnesota on Thursday, the Terps need to get back to their winning ways and Trimble is the key to doing that.