There was a moment in the second half tonight where it looked like the Maryland Terrapins were going to come back, surprise their detractors, and pull off the win. Sort of like their season. They pulled within five with around 10 minutes left in the game, but they couldn't close the gap, and ultimately fell to the Miami Hurricanes 80-66.
The loss drops the Terrapins to 7-8 in the ACC, and improved Miami to 6-9.
Their 80-point total was Miami's highest of the season, which probably says less about the Hurricanes' level of play than it says about Maryland's lack of energy. Miami shot over 54% from the field as the Terrapins failed to defend effectively. Despite the Terrapins finishing with four more rebounds than their opponents and five fewer turnovers, this game was never close.
Freshman guard Terrell Stoglin led all scorers, as is his norm, with 20 points. But he didn't have much help. The Maryland bench accounted for only seven points tonight. In the meantime, Miami finished with five players in double-figures.
The Terrapins have one game remaining before the ACC Tournament. They face the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday afternoon in College Park.