Maryland Basketball: Spartans Slip Past Terrapins Late

At the end of a wild weekend that included the return of all-time great, Greivis Vasquez, and their opponent having a scandal uncovered, Maryland looked for a much needed win against Michigan State at home.

The first half could not have gone better for Mark Turgeon and his team. Maryland jumped out to an 8-0 lead, forcing a Michigan State timeout under two minutes into the game.

Shockingly, Maryland didn’t let up, and carried their strong defense and offense through the entire first half. After 20 minutes they lead 37-24, giving them their biggest lead of the game.

Maryland was shooting 50% from the field and 63% from three-point range, while holding the sixth-ranked Spartans to just 27% and 10% respectively.

Things changed in the second half, as per usual. The Terrapins’ lack of depth shined through, as Michigan State climbed back into the lead and stayed the course. At one point, Maryland sported Jared Nickens at center because Fernando and Cekovsky were in foul trouble.

Michigan State head coach, Tom Izzo, said after the game that “halftime was interesting.” He continued by saying he “saw some guys come together,” and that helped fuel their comeback.

Joshua Langford and Jaren Jackson Jr were the keys to the Spartans’ success in the second half. Langford scored 10 points in the second half, and 19 for the game, while Jackson added 12 points, including two threes before fouling out.

Izzo added that Langford was the “unsung hero” of this victory for Michigan State. He later summed up this weekend by saying, “It’s been hard to focus in on basketball because when I do, I feel guilty.”

The Terrapins did an excellent job of clamping down on star-player Miles Bridges, allowing him just eight points on 13 shot attempts.

Despite the losing effort, Maryland had a great all-around offensive effort. Kevin Huerter, Darryl Morsell, Anthony Cowan, and Jared Nickens all finished in double figures, with Cowan one assist away from a double double.

Turgeon and his team travel to face first place Purdue on the road this week, still in search of a signature win.