Maryland Basketball: Terrapins Handle Ohio

MADISON, WI - FEBRUARY 19: Justin Jackson #21 of the Maryland Terrapins drives to the basket against Khalil Iverson #21 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half of a game at the Kohl Center on February 19, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - FEBRUARY 19: Justin Jackson #21 of the Maryland Terrapins drives to the basket against Khalil Iverson #21 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half of a game at the Kohl Center on February 19, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Maryland uses a 15-2 start to defeat the Ohio Bobcats 87-62 in the first of five straight home games.

Daryll Morsell got the first start of his college career as Justin Jackson came off the bench because of an illness that held him out of practice Wednesday.

Jackson did not miss a beat, as he finished the game with 10 points, all of which came in the first half of play.

Mark Turgeon elected to use the Terrapins’ height advantage, specifically Michal Cekovsky, in order to build a quick lead that they sustained throughout the game. Cekovsky’s 10 first half points helped push Maryland to a 41-28 lead after 20 minutes of play.

The turnovers continued to mount in the first 10 minutes, as Maryland had 7, but in the final 10 of the first half they allowed just two turnovers.

The second half would just continue propelling Maryland forward, but not without a scare. Freshman Bruno Fernando went up for a rebound and rolled his ankle on the way down. The big man could not put any weight on his right leg for a period of time, but did walk back to the locker room under his own power.

Mark Turgeon told the BTN crew that he had no update, but he expects Fernando to get back to full strength sometime soon.

Maryland did not rely on a single player to carry them to victory, and that is something they need more of. Kevin Hurter led all scorers with 17 points, but Cekovsky added 15, Anthony Cowan added 12, and Jackson had 10.

Look for Mark Turgeon to continue searching for solid rotations that can evenly distribute the ball and score this month with easier opponents on the way.

They Terrapins are forced into a quick turnaround, as Gardner-Webb comes to College Park Saturday at 12:30 PM.