Colleges

Press helps Maryland pull away from Vermont

By TIMES WIRES
Published November 9, 2006

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland was involved in a tight game with Vermont when coach Gary Williams instructed the Terrapins to incorporate a full-court press.

That, along with the long-range shooting of Mike Jones, ended any upset hopes for the Catamounts.

Jones and D.J. Strawberry each scored 19, and Maryland advanced to the semifinals of the 2K College Hoops Classic with an 81-63 victory Wednesday night.

The Terrapins' next game in the tournament is Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden.

"I didn't realize it, but if we don't win, we play Florida A&M on Sunday and then we don't play for eight days," Williams said. "You don't want eight days off this time of year."

Against Vermont, the Terrapins (2-0) broke out the press with a 23-19 lead and four minutes left in the first half. Strawberry dominated the defensive end and Jones took care of the offense, scoring 11 to give Maryland a 36-27 lead at the break.

MICHIGAN ST. 45, BROWN 34: Maurice Joseph scored all 12 of his points in the first half for the host Spartans (1-0) in the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic.

In the first half Joseph shot 3-for-4 from the field with a pair of 3-pointers and 4-for-4 at the free-throw line.

Freshman Raymar Morgan added 10 points and six rebounds in his collegiate debut.

Drew Neitzel, the lone returning starter for Michigan State, was 1-for-8 from the field, was scoreless in the first half and finished with seven points.

LOUISVILLE: The Cardinals, who wanted to get bigger for the physical Big East, signed 6--8 forward George Goode of Raytown (Mo.) South High and 7-1 center Clarence Holloway, who spent his senior year at Harlan High in Chicago two years ago then went to IMG Academy in Bradenton. Holloway entered the 2006 NBA draft but removed his name from consideration.

MINNESOTA: The Gophers lost an exhibition against defending Division II champion Winona State 69-64. Minnesota, athletic and undersized, was outrebounded 40-27. Jamal Abu-Shamala, an expected starter, sat out for an unspecified reason.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Forward Chad Gray again signed and, if his application is accepted, could suit up Dec. 20 against Princeton. Gray was expected with the incoming class this fall. However, his entrance was denied because of concerns over his former prep school, Florida Preparatory Academy, which was among several prep schools whose academic credentials were reviewed by the NCAA.

Maryland women No. 1

Defending champion Maryland, which returns every starter, is the preseason No. 1.

The Terrapins received 47 of the 50 first-place votes from a national media panel and compiling 1,246 points, 85 more than No. 2 North Carolina, in the Associated Press poll.

North Carolina was followed by Oklahoma, Stanford and Tennessee.

FSU: The host Seminole women beat Premier Players 93-82 in an exhibition. For the second straight game, sophomore Britany Miller led FSU with 26 points, and five Seminoles recorded double figures. FSU shot 56 percent.

[Last modified November 9, 2006, 01:54:20]