Terps breeze into finals week

The only thing standing in the way of a nine-day exam break for the Terrapin men's basketball team was a 2-10 MEAC squad they had to take care of Friday night.

But even with an upcoming rest, the Terps decided not to loaf against Delaware State, a lesson they learned after struggling to take care of business against teams they should have beaten last season.

Forward Landon Milbourne scored a career high for the second straight game, this time tallying 23 points as the Terps (7-2) operated on the Hornets (2-11) in a quick and painless 86-58 victory at Comcast Center.

"We spoke a lot about what happened last year around this time," Milbourne said. "I think we're headed in the right path so far. We have a lot of positive energy this year. Guys are more focused on this team. Guys aren't willing to settle just because we had a couple good wins. We still want to get better, still know we have areas to work on."

After exams, the Terps will play Dec. 22 against American - a team that upset them at Comcast Center last year on that very same date. But heading into the break, the Terps are hitting their stride, especially with Milbourne getting the hang of the power forward position and becoming a fourth consistent scoring option.

"I'm feeling comfortable now," Milbourne said. "I'm just feeling really confident, real energetic."

Milbourne was economical with his 12 shot attempts, making nine and hitting all five free throws. He also collected seven rebounds as part of a 41-30 Terps advantage on the glass.

And, once again, guard Greivis Vasquez filled up the box score with a diverse 16-point, eight-rebound, seven-assist performance, as he continues to candidly strive for a certain personal achievement.

"I'm trying to get a triple-double," Vasquez said after the game. "But hopefully I get it against a big-time team."

As well as the Terps played, they didn't need to be perfect against the struggling Hornets, who missed open shots aplenty when the Terps' defense allowed them.

But the Terps still displayed tireless energy, perhaps best shown by reserve swingman Cliff Tucker, who was a starter early in the season but had recently lost considerable playing time.

With an early 20-4 run, the Terps for all intents and purposes won the game before Tucker even stood up from the bench. But when he finally got some time at the end of the first half, Tucker used his athleticism to do just about everything in helping the Terps extend their lead.

Tucker hustled around the court accumulating seven points, six assists, five rebounds and a pair of steals while impressing his coach in a stirring 19 minutes on the floor.

"He was very active, and he made things happen," coach Gary Williams said. "That's the type of player Cliff has to be for us."

Tucker's glad he had that opportunity.

"I feel like I can be a starter on this team," the sophomore said. "By not playing, I kind of get down on myself because I know I should be on the court playing. When he gives me a chance to go in there I gotta prove that I can play in order to get into the rotation, and that's what I did today."

From the starting unit to the bench, everything has been falling into place for the Terps recently. Williams has begun to get a feel for a consistent rotation, and the players who have received time have responded with quality play.

In the win, the team had a season-best 23 assists. Guards Adrian Bowie and Eric Hayes had 12 points apiece, and recently resurgent forward Dino Gregory chipped in with a career-high eight.

And as for Milbourne: "I think he's settling in and really helping the team by being able to play that [power forward] position," Williams said.

With five soft non-conference games after finals, the Terps have a big opportunity to continue building on their three-game win streak before conference play begins.

"I feel pretty good about my team," Vasquez said. "I have plenty of confidence and hopefully we'll make a run this month. Maybe we'll be 12-2 going into the league [against] Georgia Tech at home."

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