Maryland Basketball: Terps win 5th straight in blowout vs. Michigan State

Maryland basketball got off to another hot start

The Terps started the game with an 11-0 run thanks to three perimeter shots hitting the bottom of the net. You’ve seen this before from them. They got off to an even better start against the Minnesota Golden Gophers as a 17-4 run grew to 29-12 quickly.

It’s these kinds of starts that build momentum and give a team confidence. The Terps had a 35-25 half-time lead due to shooting 60 percent from the perimeter, and when they got their opportunities at the free-throw line, they capitalized there as well.

Of course, the hot starts don’t last long because both teams get their legs under them as the first half goes on. In saying that, the Terps were able to sustain a lead due to a healthy mix of paint and perimeter shooting.

These hot starts may be hard to come by during the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments. As long as the Terps stay poised and controlled with each possession and avoid turnovers, they will be able to compete on those stages.

Mark Turgeon told his team after the game that the best is yet to come. They are playing their best basketball right now. He gets a lot of flack from a segment of the Maryland basketball fan population who say he can’t coach, but this win gave him his 19th consecutive winning season. The criticism he receives is nonsense.