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Nicholls State

At Maryland

By Chris B.

Early in the first half, MD set the tone, that this game was going to be a wash.  Ibekwe established himself inside, McCray, NCM got out in transition for some easy dunks.  Lead was up to 15, enter the bench.  Parish Brown, Sterbo, Mike Jones, Wilbo, and Gist were out there and the lead got down to 10.  From that point down to the 4 minute TV TO the lead hovered around 10.  DJ is looking decent running the team in the half court, and the Colonels were more than willing to give the ball to MD.  Ibekwe had a block on  a shot that he sent straight down like a volleyball spike.  NCM had two offensive fouls in the half.  Nichols state 3 point shooting (shocker) is keeping NSU in it, in fact they hit one at the end of the half to cut the lead to 9.  NCM and McCray had 11 at the half. 

To start the second half the Terps went on a 14-0 run in the first two minutes.  Ibekwe and Gist threw down a couple of follow up dunks early that got the sparse crowd involved.  The shutout ended at the 15:58 mark for Nichols State.  The pressure defense really helped key the run.  About halfway through the half McCray canned 3 straight three's.  The lead increased to 78 - 43 after a NCM Jumper on a missed lob to Ibekwe with 8:48 remaining.  By the 5 minute mark, it was garbage time with the Terps up 86-53.  Lineup was Wilbo, David Neal (can he pass protect?), Brown, Sterbo, and MJ.  One thing I have noticed about Neal thus far, he is not afraid to jack it up when he is out there!  If nothing else he is going to toughen those guys up at practice!  Wilbo had an impressive one handed stuff on some poor guy.  It was set up by a nice dish from MJ.  I did get to see an Eastern Motors commercial!  They are stepping up with guys like Haywood, and Carmello, slinging the cars for them!   Wow, Lavar too!  I need to watch Comcast Sportsnet more often.  Chikura checked in with just under a minute left. 

Overall:  This game is about what you expect.  A blowout, with lots of fast break points, and points in the paint.  Some guys setting personal bests (DJ 12 assists). 

D7 Tailgate MVP:  The MVP award goes to DJ Strawberry, 12 points on 5-6 shooting, 2-3 FT, 3 boards career high 12 blocks, and 0 TO's.  An infinity assist/turnover ratio will get it for you all the time!  Really hustled and looked calm out there, granted NSU was not the most challenging opponent!