Jake Layman
Baltimore, MD – The No. 6 ranked Maryland Terrapins made only their 12th trip to Baltimore in its schools history. This was the first time the Terps had made the quick trip up the beltway since 1999 and they did not disappoint. Maryland prevailed against Princeton 82-61, thanks in large to a huge second half.
Maryland and Princeton were neck and neck for much of the first half. Princeton came out in a 3-2 zone and that seemed to slow the Terps down for a bit, until they were able to adjust. Princeton hit seven first half three pointers (7-of-14), and the Terps hit six (6-of-14). Maryland led 35-31 at the half.
The Tigers leading scorer Henry Caruso did not disappoint. Caruso a 6’4 small forward had eleven first half points, on 3-of- 3 from deep. He also had three rebounds and two steals. Caruso showed an ability to shoot the ball from three, as well as put the ball on the deck. Caruso fit perfectly in the Princeton offense as he was in constant movement without the ball. He also converted on some of Princeton’s famous back door cuts. On defense Caruso played the passing lanes very well. He finished the game with 17 points on 4-of-5 from three, four rebounds and three steals.
Guard Spencer Weisz also provided some stability for the Tigers. He finished the game with eight points, two assists and three steals. Weisz kept the Tigers grounded with his poise while he was on the floor. The problem was he was in foul trouble throughout and that limited his minutes.
For Maryland the key to their success was their great balance on offense. They had five players score in double figures and Melo Trimble, preseason Big Ten player of the year, was not one of them.
Jake Layman played extremely well for Maryland. He had a big first half scoring twelve points, while hitting three three-pointers and corralling five rebounds. Layman is a very versatile player. He scores on the drive, spot up jumpers, and is even a threat on alley oops. Layman needs to find a consistency in his game if Maryland wants to make a serious run at a national title. Jake finished with 19 points, with four three pointers, eight rebounds and two steals.
Freshman big man Diamond Stone provided some energy off the bench. He had a huge first half dunk and was big spark for the Terps. He finished the game with eleven points and six rebounds. Rasheed Sulaimon was also steady throughout and finished with eleven points, six rebounds and five assists.
However the surprise for Maryland in the second half was sophomore backup point guard Jaylen Brantley. Brantley came into the game averaging just one point, but he exploded in the second half scoring all 14 of his career high. Brantley will be counted on to give Trimble some rest at point guard throughout the rest of the season. This will be even more imperative as conference play is right around the corner.
Maryland was too much for Princeton to handle in the second half. Maryland finished the game with a total of twelve three-pointers and shot 56% overall from the field. Next up for Princeton is a home game against Bucknell on Tuesday, December 22nd while Maryland ha a home game against Marshall on Sunday, December 27th
This article was written by Greg Walter, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can subscribe to our RSS feed from the upper right corner of our home page, follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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