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Maryland Basketball: Melo Trimble Takes Down Sparty

By Wesley Brown

Jan 23, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) drives to the basket and shoots against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Melo Trimble (2) drives to the basket and shoots against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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On yet another emotional Senior Day, Maryland was trying to lock-in and clinch a double-bye in next weekend’s Big Ten Tournament.

When it comes to clinching, Terrapin fans know who to give that duty too, and that man did it in this one. Melo Trimble took the ball with 6 seconds counting down, dribbled up court, and sank a game-winning three to beat Michigan State 63-60.

Mark Turgeon said after the game that he “told Melo to drive it” but he shot the three. Trimble added “I’m two for two when he told me to drive the ball”, recounting his game winner in Madison, Wisconsin last season.

Trimble finished with 16 points, six rebounds, but plenty of what coach Tom Izzo called “hockey assists”. His passes created other passes and opportunities for other teammates to capitalize.

One of those being the silent leader, Anthony Cowan. He finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and five assists, including a huge three ball that ignited the crowd in the second half. Izzo liked what he saw, saying “He’s a ‘Mini-Melo’, but he ain’t Melo”.

Cowan got some help from fellow freshamn, Justin Jackson, who found his touch from long-range. He finish 3 of 7 from deep with 15 points and six rebounds, as well as going a perfect 4 for 4 from the free throw line.

This game was another example of Maryland’s lack of depth inside, as Michigan State freshman Nick Ward amassed 22 points and 16 rebounds against the Terrapins inside. Turgeon admitted in his opening that this team has had it’s struggles without Cekovsky and Wiley being fully healthy, but that this team never stopped fighting.

This game was a testament to their resiliency, as Maryland used a 9-2 run in the second half to grab and eight point lead, that got wiped away in just three minutes. Michigan State held the ball, trying to take the last shot to win, but the Terrapins stayed locked-in on defense to force a shot clock violation on a fumbled pass.

The last game in Xfinity Center was a memorable one for Damonte Dodd LG Gill, and Maybe even Melo Trimble. Trimble said he was “focused” on trying to get this win and not any rumors of him leaving early for the NBA Draft.

Maryland will get a couple days off after earning the double bye, and not having to fly with the Big Ten Tournament being held next weekend at the Verizon Center.