Fifth-ranked Spartans set sights on Terrapins
Sports Network | November 27, 2008
Orlando, FL (Sports Network) - The fifth-ranked Michigan State Spartans return to action for the first time in over a week, as they take on the Maryland Terrapins in the first round of the third annual Old Spice Classic in Orlando. The winner of this game will move on to face either Oklahoma State or Gonzaga on Friday.
The Spartans have played just two games on the young season and they have won them both as expected. The program opened the season with a 100-62 triumph of Idaho at home before taking to the road and prevailing over IPFW, 70-59, on November 19th. This marks the fifth straight season in which MSU has participated in an in-season tournament, with the team finishing second in the CBE Classic last year.
As for Maryland, it also enters the game without a blemish on its record, capturing victories in each of its first three outings. All three wins have come at home, including an 89-74 overtime triumph of Vermont on Friday.
Tonight's contest represents just the fourth all-time meeting between the Terps and Spartans, with MSU holding a 2-1 edge in the series.
The Terps converted on 9-of-21 attempts from beyond the arc and 24-of-30 at the charity stripe, as they outlasted Vermont in overtime in their last game. Maryland, which outscored Vermont 17-2 in the extra session, also dominated the glass 48-34 in the win. Greivis Vasquez led the charge with an all-around effort of 26 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Adrian Bowie contributed 17 points and six boards off the bench, while Landon Milbourne had 13 points. Eric Hayes even got involved, netting 11 points and distributing seven assists. After three games, Vasquez has proven to be the team's go-to-guy, as he leads the club in scoring (22.3 ppg), rebounding (7.7 rpg) and assists (5.0 apg). Milbourne is a distant second with 11.7 ppg and Cliff Tucker follows him with 11.0 ppg. Bowie chips in with 10.7 ppg for Maryland, which is outscoring its foes by 22.7 ppg on the year.
In their most recent contest, the Spartans shot 42.9 percent from the floor and held a 19-6 advantage in free-throw points, as they defeated IPFW. The team also won the battle on the boards, 38-28, including a 16-4 advantage on the offensive glass. Raymar Morgan led the way with 22 points and six rebounds. He netted 21 points in the team's opening win over Idaho, helping him become the first Spartan to open the season with back-to-back 20-point games since 1992-93. After posting 13 points and nine assists in the opener, Kalin Lucas went for 17 points last game. Chris Allen though, was limited to just seven points by IPFW after recording 21 points in the opener.
