Maryland vs. Georgetown Vol. 65
On November 15th, 2016, the Georgetown Hoyas hosted the Maryland Terrapins in what was the 65th all time match up between the two programs. There is a history between Maryland and Georgetown, one that has been recently revisited thanks to the Gavitt Tip off Games. Given the two schools’ close proximity to each other, there have been many match ups over the years. However the rivalry died down until it was renewed last year when a home and home series was confirmed. Prior to the most recent match up, Maryland leads the series 37-27. In the first competition since 2008, Maryland won a thriller at home in College Park 75-71; Melo Trimble led the way with 24 points in that game. This year the game was played in the Verizon Center, Georgetown’s home court. With an electric atmosphere, the Hoyas prepared to take vengeance on the Terps, and we prepared to witness another classic in a great college basketball rivalry.
Maryland jumped out to a quick 14-7 lead after 8 minutes of regulation. Georgetown responded silent 11 point run that took 4 minutes to complete. The two teams traded baskets until halftime, with the score deadlocked at 31. The second half promised must-see basketball, when the rivals took the floor. The arena was shaking as Georgetown surged behind L.G. Peak who had 21 points on the night.
L.J. Peak had 21 points against Maryland
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
After trailing 45-42 with 13:18 left, Georgetown took control. Behind the leadership of Rodney Pryor who had 14 points, and L.J. Peak, Georgetown led 66-57 with 3:06 remaining. Georgetown electric from the line, sinking 37 of 42 attempts. Georgetown also shot 40.0% from beyond the arc, compared to Maryland’s 25.9% mark. While Melo Trimble (22 points, 2 assists) is the face of this Maryland squad, it was the Freshman who came up big. With 0:58 remaining, freshman PG Anthony Cowan (11 points, 5 assists) drove into the lane, drew the defense, stopped on a dime, then flicked the ball back out to fellow freshman Kevin Huerter, who effortlessly drilled a wide open three making the score 70-66. The next possession resulted in two made L.J. Peak free throws. Melo Trimble asked for the ball, and ran coast to coast before getting rejected at the rim by Peak. Maryland retained possession and scored off the inbound play, again one of Maryland's freshman stepping up. This time it was Canadian PF Justin Jackson (17 points, 7 rebounds) who made the contested layup at the rim to make it 72-69 with 0:29 left. Isaac Copeland of Georgetown went 1 for 2 at the line in the following possession. Maryland hurried down the floor with less than 20 seconds left and trailing by 5. Kevin Huerter lost control of the ball and Justin Jackson jumped on it to force a jump ball. The possession arrow stayed with Maryland, and before the ball could be in bounded Anthony Cowan got tangled up with Tre Campbell of Georgetown. Cowan showed his cool by sinking both free throws to make the score 73-72. Tre Campbell redeemed himself with two made free throws on the other end of the floor. With 0:17 left on the clock, Melo Trimble again took the ball coast to coast, this time coming up with an athletic layup. With 0:07 remaining, Georgetown in bounded to Tre Campbell, who was immediately double teamed. Mark Turgeon’s decision to press proved fruitful as the pressure forced Campbell to walk, giving Maryland the ball down 1 with 7 seconds left. On the ensuing inbound play, L.J. Peak fouled Melo Trimble, who was a 87% free throw shooter last season. Trimble did what Trimble does and made both free throws. Just like that, seemingly in a blur Maryland had taken a 76-75 lead. The Verizon Center had turned from celebratory to nervous. On the final play of the game, Maryland freshman Kevin Huerter blocked Jagan Mosely at the rim to seal the Terrapin win.
Kevin Huerter's block at the end of regulation
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Turgeon and the Maryland bench erupted in cheers as the final buzzer sounded and Maryland literally stole one from Georgetown on the road.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
With the win Maryland moved to 2-0 on the season, and 1-0 on the road. The Terps return home to College Park, MD on November 17th at 7:00 P.M. against Saint Mary’s College of Maryland.
Georgetown is now 1-1 on the year, with a home matchup against Arkansas State on November 17th at 6:30 P.M as part of the Maui Jim Maui on the Mainland.
