No. 8 Alabama Dominates Maryland Men’s Basketball with 105-72 Victory
The No. 8 Alabama men’s basketball team showcased a dominant performance against Maryland, winning decisively with a final score of 105-72. This game marked a challenging moment for Maryland, coming off a significant defeat against No. 12 Gonzaga just 24 hours earlier.
Early Struggles for Maryland
In the first half, Maryland faced a daunting 22-point deficit. The Terps initially tried to rally through Aleks Alston, who ignited a seven-point run. However, this momentum quickly dissipated when Myles Rice missed a layup, allowing Alabama to capitalize on a transition opportunity.
- Alabama scored 15 points in the first four minutes of the game.
- Labaron Philon Jr. opened the scoring with a dunk just 16 seconds into the game.
- Maryland initially drew back within single digits but struggled to maintain offensive flow.
Defensive Breakdown
Alabama’s explosive offense overwhelmed Maryland, particularly from beyond the three-point arc. The Tide effectively utilized ball movement, making nine out of 20 attempts from deep in the first half. Maryland’s defense often seemed disconnected, allowing open shots that contributed to the Tide’s scoring.
Maryland’s initial shot creation was scarce, with only a few successful plays following timeouts. The turning point for the Terps came when Alston blocked a shot and followed it up with a three-pointer, momentarily regaining some control. However, they faced formidable challenges maintaining that effort.
Adjustments at Halftime
At halftime, adjustments were made, and a more structured approach emerged. Coach Buzz Williams opted to bench key players, leading to improved defensive performance from the starting lineup. This change sparked a brief surge, narrowing the deficit to 16 points with 16:46 remaining in the game.
Factors in Alabama’s Victory
- Offensive Rebounds: Alabama dominated the boards with 11 offensive rebounds compared to Maryland’s 17 defensive rebounds.
- Free-Throw Disparity: Despite Alabama allowing an average of 25.6 free throws per game, Maryland only attempted 11, making seven.
- Balanced Scoring: Alabama’s offense featured a diverse scoring effort with eight players scoring at least nine points.
This game resulted in a tough lesson for Maryland as they regroup for their next challenge, which takes place on December 2 against Wagner. The Terps have a six-day window to rest and prepare, which may prove crucial for their recovery and strategy moving forward.
