The Benefits of a Tough Schedule- UMD Hoops

The University of Maryland Men’s Basketball team opened up their 2012-13 campaign with a tough 72-69 loss to #3 Kentucky in Brooklyn, NY, but there was much to be gained in defeat for the Terps.

UMD fell behind early against the defending NCAA Champions, and trailed 49-36 at halftime.  However, through relentless rebounding and great team defense, they were able to cut the deficit to three with seven seconds to go.

Even though guard Pe’Shon Howard could not get a shot off, the Terps still put forth a valiant effort, and made a good decision by playing in the inaugural Barclays Center Classic.

By beginning their season against a team as talented as Kentucky, the Terps understand the level of talent they will have to compete against if they want to be one of the elite teams in the nation.

“The Terps lost this game, but there is so much to gain from it. The fact that they only lost by three to arguably one of the most talented rosters in the country speaks volumes about the program and the direction it’s headed in,” said junior Economics major Josh Rappaport.

Center Alex Len played a dominant game against top recruit Nerlens Noel of Kentucky, and freshmen Charles Mitchell and Seth Allen keyed the Terps’ huge second half rally in their collegiate debuts.

In 2011-2012, the University of Maryland Men’s Basketball squad opened up with a series of games that could be best described as a “soft schedule.” The big name programs they played, Notre Dame, Illinois, and Alabama, were not talented enough to prepare the Terps for their rigorous ACC schedule, and the less known programs were not good enough to prepare them for anything.

As a result, UMD Hoops started off with a quality record at 9-2 prior to their ACC season, but did not have the exposure to quality competition they have attained this year.  This ended up costing them come conference play, as the Terps consistently played down to the level of their opponents and finished with a losing record in the ACC.

“If the season progresses and Maryland does not have a good season, then I think this game would be a case of the team playing to the competition.  However if the Terps have a good season, this is further evidence that they can compete with elite teams,” said sophomore Alec Friedlander.

The Terps’ decision to open up this season against the winningest program in NCAA history may not look good now due to their 0-1 record.  Merely participating in a game the likes of this one, however, provides them with experience they did not have last season, and could prove very beneficial to the team when they begin ACC play.

“I don’t think there’s anything to lose. If they won, it’s a huge win; if they lost, it was expected.  We are young, and that’s something we’ll have to overcome, but we’re deep and we have a lot of talent. I’ve got faith in Turge (Coach Mark Turgeon),” said Rappaport.