Senior staff writer Jeremy Schneider recaps the five most memorable moments of coach Mark Turgeon’s first season at the helm of the Terps:

Nov. 13, 2011: TURGEON’S DEBUT

This date marked the first time in more than two decades the Terrapins men’s basketball coach didn’t pump his fist as he walked out onto the court. Yes, this was the official beginning of the Mark Turgeon era.

Without former coach Gary Williams on the sideline, the Terps won their 10th straight season opener and 35th home opener in a row. Unsurprisingly, guard Terrell Stoglin was the team’s leading scorer with 22 points. Though the Terps led by only five points at halftime, they would coast in the second half en route to a 71-62 win.

In the grand scheme of things, it was a meaningless wn. From a historical perspective, it was Turgeon’s first game and first win in College Park.

Dec. 4, 2011: TERPS KNOCK OFF NOTRE DAME IN D.C.

Look at the Terps’ results from this year — not many wins really stand out. Heck, not many games really stand out.

This one does. It was the first “big” victory in Turgeon’s Terps career, and one of the best wins the team has had all season.

Stoglin, right, went for 31 points, including a jumper with 12.8 seconds left to seal the deal. Sean Mosley had 17 points, and James Padgett finished with a double-double.

It was an upset at the time, but as Notre Dame has played better and better this year, the win looks that much more impressive. The Fighting Irish are ranked No. 23 in the nation.

While some victories would eventually overshadow this one for the Terps, in Turgeon’s book, you can chalk this one up as his first upset.

FEB. 1, 2012: TURGEON’S GRAND EXIT

For most teams, it’s hard to consider a loss one of their best games of the year. But when you’re in rebuilding mode — as the Terps are this year — games like this are huge.

After a contentious charge call, Turgeon racked up back-to-back technical fouls and was ejected from the game. That fire ignited quite the Terps comeback charge.

Trailing 54-46 when Turgeon was tossed, the Terps got back in the game with a six-point possession aided by a Miami technical foul. Stoglin’s 3-pointer with a minute left in regulation tied the game up, and the Terps fought through overtime and then double overtime. Though their comeback ultimately fell short, Turgeon teared up while talking about his team in postgame interviews. The Terps, it was pretty clear, had their coach’s back.

“He really kind of lit the guys up,” said assistant Scott Spinelli, who took over for Turgeon. “When he got thrown out, obviously, our team responded quite well. We played with a lot more energy, a lot more focus and a lot more fire.”

It was a sign of things to come, as the Terps’ next game against Miami would be a big one.

Feb. 4, 2012: CLOSE CALL

When it comes to Terps basketball opponents, Duke is in a league of its own. The team that draws the ire of the Comcast Center faithful nearly as well is North Carolina.

If you’re going to make noise in the ACC, you have to spar with those two big dogs. On this afternoon, the Terps nearly toppled one of the best teams in the nation.

Stoglin had 20 points and four assists, and center Alex Len grabbed nine rebounds and blocked four shots as the Terps remained close throughout in an eventual loss.

Had they won, the game may have served as a season-changing victory — the 2008-09 squad used a victory over UNC to propel itself into March Madness — and the Terps might not be hoping for the NIT. Regardless, it was a fantastic showing against one of the ACC powers.

Feb. 21, 2012: REVENGE GAME

Mark Turgeon will never be Gary Williams. Even if he wins a national championship, Williams’ place in Terps lore is secured. Against Miami on Feb. 21, however, Turgeon outdid Williams — albeit, in crazy courtside antics.

The celebration was warranted. Turgeon jumped up and down on the court as James Padgett, left, converted a late three-point play to help assure the Terps of their best league win of Turgeon’s first year in College Park.

It has been a rough year for the rebuilding Terps, and few losses were as tough as the double-overtime thriller in Coral Gables. Turgeon wasn’t there for the end of that one, but he was on the Comcast Center sideline to see this one through. He might not have been any happier this season than after the Terps’ 10-0 run to close out the comeback win.