Here's what Maryland coach Mark Turgeon said after the Terps' upset win vs. Minnesota
Maryland defeated No. 17 Minnesota 63-49 on Saturday afternoon, giving the Terps their third ranked road win of the season.
Guard Eric Ayala was the star, as he scored 21 points in the win. Foward Donta Scott (15 points) was the only other Maryland player to score in double digits.
But the difference in the game came on the defense end. Maryland held the Gophers to just 49 points, their lowest scoring output of the season.
After the game, coach Mark Turgeon addressed the win and his defense’s performance.
Turgeon was also pleased with senior guard Darryl Morsell’s play this afternoon. “It all started with Darryll on the defense end and the other guys followed.”
— The YoungTerps (@YoungTerp1) January 23, 2021
Turgeon said in the second half Darryl Morsell said, "Lets hold them under 50" #Terps
— MTCWithMook 🎙️🎥📷 (@MTCwithMook) January 23, 2021
Head coach Mark Turgeon praised Maryland’s defensive performance after the game. “We had to guard the ball, we had to be great in transition…guys were dialed in.”
— The YoungTerps (@YoungTerp1) January 23, 2021
After defeating their third ranked team on the road this season, @Terrapinhoops Head Coach Mark Turgeon talked after the game about what worked well and how important defense has been in each of those wins. pic.twitter.com/HDCNlz9Z7w
— Terrapin Sports Central (@TerpsCentral) January 23, 2021
Terps 3 road wins over ranked teams. Mark Turgeon “the common denominator is defense”. #simple #terps
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) January 23, 2021
Maryland’s defense was excellent in this game, and the numbers back that up. Minnesota shot just 30.3 percent from the field and 21.7 percent from beyond the arc. Maryland won the battle on the boards, as well, 38-30.
With the win, Maryland improves to 3-6 in conference play and re-enters the NCAA Tournament conversation. Entering this weekend, ESPN bracketology expert Joe Lunardi had Maryland designated as one of the “first four teams out.”
Maryland will host Wisconsin on Wednesday as it attempts to complete a season sweep vs. the Badgers.
