Terrapin Station
Fansided

Maryland Basketball: Michal Cekovsky has a strong outing

By Chris Bengel

Dec 7, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Michal Cekovsky (15) fights for a rebound with Howard Bison forward Michael Obindu (34) in the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Michal Cekovsky (15) fights for a rebound with Howard Bison forward Michael Obindu (34) in the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Michal Cekovsky has been sidelined a significant amount of time this season due to injury.

However, Cekovsky had his first productive showing on Saturday after multiple single-digit minute performances over the last three games.

The Slovakian native scored 10 points (4-of-4 shooting), recorded six blocks, and grabbed three rebounds. Cekovsky did that in 13 minutes, which was the second most by any bench player for the Terrapins.

Cekovsky was easily the most efficient Terp on the offensive end. Damonte Dodd and Justin Jackson each connected on 3-of-5 shots, but combined for just 17 points on the afternoon.

As impressive as Cekovsky was on the offensive end, his defensive presence was even more crucial for Maryland.

With 16:17 left in the opening half, Cekovsky made his impact known nearly as soon as he hit the floor. Purdue’s Vince Edwards was able to drive to the basket and dish the ball off to Issac Haas.

Haas went right up with the shot, but it was deposited right off the backboard by Cekovsky when he swatted the field goal attempt away.

It was the fourth game in which Cekovsky registered multiple blocks. It was also the second consecutive game that a Terp registered at least four blocks.

Guard Kevin Huerter had four rejections against Ohio State on Tuesday.

Cekovsky also did prove to be active around the basket throughout the afternoon.

As was mentioned above, he made all four of his field goal attempts. The junior also connected on two of three free throws.

With 7:38 remaining in the game, Anthony Cowan had the ball beyond the three-point line and received a screen from Cekovsky. After setting the pick, Cekovsky made his way towards the paint and Cowan hit him with a beautiful alley-oop pass, which Cekovsky converted with a two-handed slam dunk.

Cekovsky is a lot more athletic than he’s given credit for. He can score inside with the best of them and doesn’t mind skying high above the rim.

The Maryland big man really plays a integral part of the team’s success. His absence from the lineup certainly put a lot more pressure on the likes of Ivan Bender and Dodd in the frontcourt.

Next: Purdue sneaks past Maryland

If Cekovsky can continue to improve and get back to his normal minutes, the Terps are going to be that much more dangerous down low.