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Clemson at Maryland 06-07

By Chris B.

Well after the debacle on Wednesday night against Miami, at HOME, the Terps next match up was against #14 Clemson, the only remaining unbeaten team in D-1.  A loss here would have put the Terps at an unthinkable 0-3 in the ACC.  A win here, and we might be able to learn a little more about this team.

Recap:  Well the crowd was electric for this afternoon game.  First, lets first talk about the day of sports on TV.  We start the buffet with the women taking on the Dookies at Cameron.  #1 MD came up short against the #3 Devils.  Then we get this men's game, followed by the Ravens and Colts, and finally the Eagles and Saints in NFL divisional playoff games.  Throw in UNC losing at VT, and a couple of other good games, and lets just say I didn't venture to far from the tube all day.  Any who, back to the action.  The fans, the team, everyone came out ready to play in this one.  The arena seemed to have the electricity of a big game.  The Terps had a nice 10 point lead early, only to let Clemson back into it late in the first half.  MD was able to go on an 8-0 run before stretching the lead to 48-42 at the half.  Overall, things were looking good.  The team was playing well, making shots, and we actually had an inside presence.  Gist led the way with some thunderous dunks, and a couple of nice jumpers.  Ibekwe also played well with 9 points to go along with Gist's 10.  The Terps never looked back in the second half.  However, in the second half the Terps got some solid contributions from Parish Brown, and Will Bowers.  Brown, hit a 3, and made some nice drives to the lane for a couple of lay-ups and a nice assist for an easy lay-up.  When MD needed a basket, or a stop they got it.  When they needed to be physical, they were.  Ibekwe lead the way with 20 and 10.  He made free throws, in fact they ALL DID.  That's right, an impressive day at the line: 25-31 for an 80% shooting day from the stripe. 

Turning Point:  I don't know if this is a turning point per se, but Parish Brown made some big plays.  As mentioned earlier he got into the lane easily and made a 3.  And this was not at garbage time.  He stepped up at time when Clemson was inching back into the game.  I don't know if it was just that he was fresh, or if he was really that much quicker than Clemson's guards, but he was a nice change of pace.

D-7 MVP:  This one pains me to say it, but Ekene Ibekwe gets the nod.  Early in the game I sent the proverbial, 25 sux text message to John, after getting pushed around a bit, and missing a cookie, but he had what may have been a career day at the stripe hitting 6-7 from the stripe.  His 10 boards and 3 blocks help fatten his resume for this one.

Honorable Mention:  You know what, I am going to go against the grain on this one.  I am really going to have to give it to the fans.  Sure, there are several players who could win the award, and maybe that is why I am going with the fans.  They were in the game, from the start, and I can't help but the think, those psycadellic spinning wheels had something to do with Clemson's free throw woe's.  We have a long way to go to catch up to Wake, and their huge foam bricks, and gi-normous "No Still Means No" sign, for props, but they were in it today.  Now I hope they see they need to be that way EVERY NIGHT.  If you are going to hold me at gun point for a player, I will go with Gist.

Random Thoughts:  This upcoming week will be huge.  Two teams from the Commonwealth stand in our way of getting above .500 in Conference.  Tuesday night at UVA, and Sunday against the Hokies.  I wish these were reversed.  VT might be ready for a let down after hanging on to beat #1 UNC, and UVA losing a tough game at BC should be focused.  It just goes to show how important winning at home is!

Enemy of the State:  I am going to go with James Mays.  He was a beast on the boards (15), scored 22 points, and is an athletic freak on defense.  He is relentless in their press, and quick for his size.  He will help keep Clemson in the top 5 in the ACC all year.

Bubble Watch:

A big win against a ranked team, and made huge news across the country with Clemson being the last of the unbeaten's.

Record now: 15-3

Conference Record 1-2

Quality Wins:  Michigan State, at Illinois, #14 Clemson

Bad Losses:  Miami at home.

Outlook: Not surprised they pulled this one out.  No problem getting ready for the big games.  I have no idea what to expect the rest of the way out.  Buckle your seat belts and hang on.  I say we are in with this one. . . for now.