Tobacco Road Report

With six players scoring in double figures, Maryland was able to rally from an 8 point deficit in the second half to defeat a tough Davidson squad on Thursday. The Terrapins were led by the solid floor game of DJ Strawberry (12 points, 8 boards, 5 assists) and great interior play by Ibekwe and Osby. The Terrapins were able to control the boards and eventually wear down Davidson star-freshman, Stephan Curry

Davidson and Maryland both were comfortable playing at a rapid tempo during Thursday’s game. The flow of the game allowed for many transition opportunities and open three point looks. Davidson likes to push tempo and look for three point opportunities led by freshman Stephan Curry (30 points, 5 treys). The tempo made this a game of runs. In the first half, Maryland led by 13, but Davidson closed well cutting the lead to one. In the second half, Davidson controlled the first ten minutes, but Maryland eventually began to exert its advantage inside. With Ibekwe in foul trouble, Osby contributed 11 points and 6 rebounds to give the Terrapins the final push.

The key to the game was the steady defensive play of Strawberry guarding Curry. While Curry scored 30, he faded down the stretch and missed his last five attempts as Strawberry was relentless. Nice leadership by the old man.

Maryland advances to play the scrappy Butler Bulldogs in round 2. Strawberry will have to rise to the challenge again against AJ Graves. For Davidson, the team will return all starters next season, so a Cinderella run in the 2008 tourney would not be surprising.