Maryland basketball: "Well-rounded" Terps figured something out at Nebraska
Kevin Willard explained Maryland basketball's poor offensive performance in the Terps' first matchup against Nebraska by crediting the Cornhusker's unique scheme. Only senior forward Julian Reese had ever faced coach Fred Hoiberg's defense. But every other Terp figured it out in the rematch on Thursday in Lincoln.
Kevin Willard explained Maryland basketball's poor offensive performance in the Terps' first matchup against Nebraska by crediting the Cornhusker's unique scheme. Only senior forward Julian Reese had ever faced coach Fred Hoiberg's defense.
But every other Terp figured it out in the rematch on Thursday in Lincoln. Maryland played one of its most efficient offensive games of the season, sweeping Nebraska, 83-75.
"The second time you play them, you kind of understand their defense so much more," Willard said.
The Terps made 58% of their shots and 47% of their three-point attempts. They scored no bench points, but every starter scored 14 or more points. It was an offensive clinic from the five-man group.
Nebraska relentlessly doubles the post and plays a no-middle style of defense. It's critical to make triples against the Cornhuskers; they surrender the most three-point attempts in the Big Ten. But Nebraska isn't particularly good at defending the perimeter. The Cornhuskers allow 37.9% unguarded jump shots, which is in the 99th percentile in opposing jump shots attempted per possession, according to Ant Wright.
Maryland's snipers took advantage. Selton Miguel broke his road slumps, scoring 17 points on 5-9 shooting. The USF transfer has struggled away from Xfinity Center this season, averaging 10% worse from three in road games.
The fifth year forward also scored a critical mid-range jump shot with 39 seconds remaining and two clutch free throws to end the game.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie also replicated his first showing against Nebraska. The Belmont transfer scored 15 points and dished out seven assists.
The Terps shot 6-10 from deep in the first half. They scored 1.27 points per possession and on 54% of their possessions. Maryland scored 42 points in the first half, the fourth highest total in Big Ten play.
