XAVIER OUTRUNS MARYLAND FOR WIN
With the game tight, both team one again went on runs Musketeers Forward Kaiser Gates hit a pair of 3's to extend Xavier's lead 24-18 with 6:29 to go but down by 5 30-25 Maryland comes right back a big way erasing that deficit on NBA 3 pointer by freshman guard Kevin Huerter and with momentum ties the game 30-all with 3:49 left. The Terps won't let the Musketeers size and quickness intimate them as they close out the 1st half on a 6-5 run capped off on a huge steal by guard Melo Trimble 36-35, first lead for Maryland since they led 8-7. Xavier had 8 turnovers, Maryland outscored Xavier 18-7 off the bench to end the half.
The second half started slow as Maryland got 5 quick points for a 10-0 run including to end the half up 40-35. Xavier hasn't scored since ending the half responded on 3 ball by Guard Trevon Bluiett making it 38-40. Maryland just couldn't muster points inside and Xavier took advantage regaining the lead on a 7-0 run 47-46 with 14:05 remaining.
With the Terps up 50-47 Xavier Bluiett hit the open three tying the game at 50 with 12:54 remaining. Bluiett starting to feel it two big threes one off the screen and Kaiser Gates 3, the Musketeers go on a 22-4 (15-0 in the second half) run putting Xavier up 61-50 with 9:08 remaining. Maryland ends their scoring drought with a jumper by Forward Justin Jackson at just over 5 minutes making 61-52 Xavier with 8:11 remaining.
Oh what one minute makes Maryland's Melo Trimble was able to get the Terps within 6 points 65-59 with 2:47 remaining. With Maryland in a inbound trap they let Gates get open down the court for a two handed stuff but Huerter comes right back with a three from downtown bringing the Terps within 7 69-62 with 1:47 remaining. Xavier had one last run (a 15-13 run) along with late free throws defeats Maryland 76-65.
Summary: Maryland second half miscues and non-inside scoring was a disappointment opportunities came and gone along with second chance points. Xavier mixture of inside-outside scoring, rebounding, and ball control outscoring Maryland 41-29 led by Bluiett's 17 in the second half proved to be the game breaker to their win. Xavier awaits the winner between Florida St and FGCU.
Leading Scorers: Xav Trevon Bluiett 21 pts Sean O'Mara 18 pts, 7 rebs Kaiser Gates 11 pts J.P. Macura 10 pts 5 ast. Maryland Kevin Huerter 19 pts 4 rebs Melo Trimble 13 pts Ivan Bender 8 pts 3 rebs. Field goals : Xav 25/50 (50%) Maryland 22/5004 (41%) 3pt: Xav 17/24 (71%) Maryland 7/27 (26%) Free Throws: Xav 17/24 (71%) Maryland 14/19 (74%)
