THREE POINTERS
1. AGAIN AND AGAIN
Mike Jones realizes he doesn’t need to replace every facet of Chris McCray’s game, and his 12-point performance at Georgia Tech is just what the Terps need each night.
Consistency was McCray’s greatest attribute and something that Jones has yet to capture in collegiate career. The fans would like to see Jones light up the scoreboard, but coach Gary Williams classified the junior guard’s performance in Atlanta as “great.”
Williams also suggested that – despite his popularity on campus – other teams probably haven’t realized how good Jones can be. This is his best opportunity to prove he can contribute on both ends of the floor for extended periods of time.
2. NO MARDY PARTY
The Terps were able to slow Temple leading scorer Mardy Collins last January, which is partly why they beat the Owls, 80-69. Collins, a 6-foot-6 senior guard has averaged 15.2 points this season, but he went 5-for-13 and missed all five of his 3-point attempts in his visit to College Park last season.
Forward Nik Caner-Medley might be the best bet to match-up against the long swingman, as the 6-foot-8 senior has played well defensively of late.
3. MAKE CONTROL A POINT
The Terps rode Caner-Medley to much of their offense Wednesday, and the point guards did not have a great showing.
Starter D.J. Strawberry struggled with an illness this week and only converted on two of his nine field goal attempts against the Yellow Jackets.
Sterling Ledbetter was active in 18 minutes, but also struggled from the field (0-for-3) and marred his five assists with four turnovers.
Williams had some visable criticism for Ledbetter during the game, but mentioned afterwards that he told the senior transfer and junior Parrish Brown to expect to be part of the rotation from this point on.
JUMP BALL
FREE THROWS
Free throws may have been a dirty term last season, but they are an area of major improvement for this year’s squad.
The Terps made 41 of 45 foul shots Wednesday at Alexander Memorial Coliseum, raising the team percentage to 75.6 – second to only Duke in the ACC – and helping the team to its first road win since last February.
To continue their road success, the Terps must continue to make the easy ones, especially because Temple is known for keeping scores low with its zone defense.
The Owls are shoting 70.9 percent from the line this season, but have made 151 fewer free throws than the Terps this season. If the Terps get to the line and convert, they will be tough to beat.
ONE-ON-ONE
TERPS’ GARY WILLIAMS vs. OWLS’ JOHN CHANEY
A tip to those making the drive up to the Liacouras Center this weekend: Keep the little ones away from the courtside seats on Saturday.
Gary Williams and Temple coach John Chaney are two of the most fiery competitors in the sport, and they may cause problems for those with sensitive ears.
That said, the pair combine for 1,289 career victories, making this match-up at least as interesting as any other on the floor.
Lost in the record talk was Williams taking sole possession of third place on the all-time ACC career wins list (143), passing Frank McGwire Wednesday.