When Alcorn State meets Maryland on Monday in College Park, Md., it’s safe to assume the coaches of both teams want to see better defense.
While Alcorn State (0-4) ranks 355th in field goal percentage defense (51.4%) out of 365 Division I teams, Maryland (1-2) somehow ranks even worse. The Terrapins sit 357th at 52.5%.
Maryland’s defensive woes were on display Friday night at home when No. 6 Virginia repeatedly exploited open lanes to the basket in an 87-83 victory. The Cavaliers trailed by 11 points at halftime but rallied behind 76.9% shooting in the second half.
Perimeter-oriented Virginia had so much access to the lane at Maryland’s defensive end that the Cavaliers attempted only five 3-point shots in the second half. Of the Cavaliers’ 51 points in the period, 34 came in the paint. For the game, Virginia converted 22 layups and threw down five dunks while piling up 58 points in the paint.
“We did not have the physical, mental, emotional stamina, endurance from start to finish that’s required to beat a (top) team,” Maryland coach Buzz Williams said. “We’re gonna play a lot of those teams.”
Maryland also needs to find answers beyond the arc at both ends of the floor. Not only do the Terps rank 361st in 3-point percentage defense (43.7%), they rank 359th in 3-point accuracy on offense (21.5%).
The Terps have been paced by Pharrel Payne (20.3 points per game) and freshman Kaden House (14.7 ppg).
Alcorn State answers Monday with top scorer Trey Thomas (21.0 ppg), a Washington, D.C. native who returns home.
The Braves, who went 9-23 last year, were picked to finish 10th in the 12-team Southwestern Athletic Conference preseason poll.
But second-year coach Jake Morton believes his team can challenge for the league title as it has vastly improved its size and depth.
“If we put that roster on paper, I’ll tell you right now, we’ll win the SWAC,” Morton said. “But the unfortunate part is it doesn’t work that way. The guys have to come together. We have to blend together.”
The Braves have shown progress so far. On Friday, they led host Tarleton State by one point with 3:35 left before falling 73-69. Thomas scored 24 points and Calvin Sirmans III added 10 points, five assists and four steals.
–Field Level Media
