Tech tries to buck the road trend at Maryland
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – It’s “fear the turtle” time for the Yellow Jackets, who are back in a precarious position – on the road. It’s been extremely unkind to Georgia Tech, which is as you know 5-1 at home but 1-5 on the road.
Down to four games in the ACC, Tech (18-8, 6-6) needs to forget about recent road woes and just play well. That’s hard to do against a Maryland team which has great, experienced guard play, and despite a recent blip at Duke, has proven itself one of the strong teams in the ACC.
The Terrapins (18-7, 8-3) are tied for second in the ACC with Virginia Tech, a team the Yellow Jackets have awaiting on March 6, their final regular season game.
Tech is ranked seventh in the ACC, two games behind Wake Forest which in the fourth spot. That is something coach Paul Hewitt made it sound like Tech is eyeing leading into the today’s game. He basically said the Yellow Jackets have to win this game if they want to get that first-round bye in the ACC tournament.
Starting lineup
Glen Rice Jr. will make his second consecutive start today in place of Mfon Udofia, who has faded lately, but at least showed some life in Tech’s win over North Carolina on Tuesday. (Udofia ended a streak of four games without a field goal when he scored in a layup off a steal. But he still has taken three shots or fewer in each of Tech’s last six games.)
Rice had five points in 27 minutes on Tuesday against UNC. He was active on the defensive end, which is what Hewitt was looking for, with a block and two steals.
The two players who’ll be most interesting to watch today will be Moe Miller and Iman Shumpert. Miller has been a steadying force of late with double-digit scoring in his past two games. He’s had seven assists and five turnovers, to go with 10 rebounds against Wake Forest and UNC.
Shumpert hasn’t played well in four of Tech’s last five games (the exception would be his 14-point second half against N.C. State). Tech really needs him to find some rhythm – either at the point or at the No. 2 spot if Miller keeps showing the most poise at point. It’s hard for Tech to win without him on his game, and it’s no coincidence that Tech lost three of those four games he’s struggled through.
Making matters tough, and at the same time crucial, Maryland has such great guard play. If you don’t find a way to match it, you’re sunk. The Terrapins lead the ACC in assists (16.4 per game) and assist-turnover ratio (1.34) and they are third in turnover margin (plus 3.3). The Terrapins are coming off a win over N.C. State on Wednesday in which they committed a season-low seven turnovers.
The Yellow Jackets will need to be active with their hands, getting those deflections Hewitt loves to keep track of from the bench.
One little area of vulnerability for Maryland might be the fact that the Terrapins are playing their fourth game in eight days because of a makeup game they had against Virginia on Monday. This is Tech’s third game in that span. We’ll see if Tech tries to press more today to see how weary Terp legs are.
Fear This Turtle
Greivis Vasquez is always interesting to the watch. The senior guard is the third-leading scorer in the ACC (18.8) and needs just five points to reach 2,000 points for his career. Vasquez will become the first player in ACC history to reach 2,000 points, 700 assists and 600 rebounds. He’s a guy you love to hate. It looks like to me, though, like he’s mellowed with some of his emotional antics over the years. But we’ll see if he’s fired up by his home crowd today.
I did get a kick out of something said about him during the Duke-Maryland game – that he loves playing at Cameron Indoor Stadium because the students taunt him in Spanish. (He’s a native of Caracas, Venezuela.)
Hewitt said it’ll take a team effort trying to contain him, no one guy will draw the assignment throughout.
One final thought before I hit the send button and make my way out to the court…Maryland is 5-0 in ACC play at Comcast Center this season (12-1 overall), and 5-1 against Tech in this building all-time. The Terrapins have beaten Tech eight straight times.
Is today the day all that stops? It would take one of Tech’s best efforts all year.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
366 comments Add your comment
GT BB and UGA BB
February 20th, 2010
5:39 pm
Another loss and “tech is a basketball school.”HAHAHAHAHAH,AAHAHAHAHAAAHAHAHA
When does Tech play UGA??? AAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA
Bill
February 20th, 2010
6:10 pm
Porty, no…I have a Tivo and the mid court spot was correct with the ref’s whistle. I was mad about the spot and extra time at first, but the spot was correct when the whistle blew. Sadly, Rice lost his man and allowed him to get into position.He actually went first to the outer wing player before he recovered.That was all the shooter needed to get position. But it should never have come down to this.
south
February 20th, 2010
6:14 pm
it’s the refs fault. Don’t blame Hewitt. I hope DRad has some sense and realizes every Tech loss is caused by the refs.
WoodstockDave
February 20th, 2010
6:24 pm
Hewitt reminds me of a couple of folks I’ve seen during my career who “retired and stayed”. Just coasting along, collecting a paycheck until somebody notices they aren’t producing.
Buzzzed
February 20th, 2010
6:34 pm
-Great game Favors!
-Shame on Lawal for that horrid free throw shooting.
Carroll Rogers
February 20th, 2010
6:45 pm
RC and NoCoach, I was actually writing a game story that I’m sure all of you will read…Right? Hey, even after a loss, you’ve got to support the ol’ beat writer.
If you can’t stomach it, I’ll post a few quotes here. But you got to look there for the good ones. (ha HA!)
“Best basketball game we played all year,” Paul Hewitt said. “We had 13 turnovers. We got the ball inside. 21 offensive rebounds. We did everything we were supposed to do against a team that’s arguably playing better than anybody in our league with the exception of Duke. The kid made a tough shot.”
Hewitt on setting up the defense for the final shot: “No. 1 don’t let Vasquez touch the ball, he just made a halfcourt shot. 2 nothing to the rim, No. 3 nothing from the corner. We were probably a little afraid not to foul in the corner. I told Derrick to be active, get his hands up so they don’t get a backscreen lob to the rim. The kid made a miraculous shot.”
“It’s hard not to drop your shoulders after they hit two buzzer beaters back-to-back,” Shumpert said.
oh and one last Hewitt: “You saw the real Derrick Favors today.”
Carroll Rogers
February 20th, 2010
6:47 pm
And yes, RC, I do think I’ll be going to have a beer now. That was one hell of a great game – which I can say because I didn’t have to agonize as a fan – and because it was not a 9 p.m. tipoff causing me a deadline heart-attack!!!
Frustrated Fan, alum, and GT employee
February 20th, 2010
6:57 pm
Few things to consider:
1. Dave Braine (terrible misnomer) gave Hewitt a contract that rolls over every year and if GT fires Hewitt, he gets $7M…if Hewitt resigns, he pays GT $3.5 (so you figure the latter will not happen)
2. Even if he says they shoot free throws, they are practicing them poorly. Perfect practice makes perfect…it’s like golf, all about muscle memory, and being able to shoot them when you are exhausted!
3. I am a long time employee at GT and according to sources in the AA, Hewitt keeps his players separate from the other athletes, and does not want them being mentored or helped by others…he thinks he has all the answers to their problems and only wants his players talking to him. That’s probably one reason he wouldn’t want Mark Price there! Apparently, he has a HUGE ego. He knows better than anyone!
Pi$$onaJacket
February 20th, 2010
7:03 pm
The good news is GEORGIA beat Alabama and represented the state well. I hope that Paul Hewitt stays at tech forever! THWGT!
Gt Employee is BuzzDraft
February 20th, 2010
7:11 pm
Stop with the lies. You srew your nonsense here and on the Hive. Give it a break.
Surprise Sweet 16
February 20th, 2010
7:14 pm
Despite the last second shot, I see Hewitt getting his team to gel. He knows the ACC and NCAA tourney are what really matter. Reg. Season =Work out the Kinks.
Hanks
February 20th, 2010
7:17 pm
I heard CPH on his radio show last year say that Mark Price is not allowed by NCAA rules to coach the team in free throws. I think the reason is that Price is employed by an NBA team, but I’m not certain of that part.
So as much as I hate what’s happening to Tech basketball right now, I don’t think the free throw problem (only one of Tech’s many problems) is because Hewitt won’t let Price coach free throws.
Hanks
February 20th, 2010
7:18 pm
I do indeed like Coach Hewitt’s quote about just being unlucky. It’s so typical of him.
michael
February 20th, 2010
7:21 pm
again, GET RID OF HEWITT AND HIS COACHING STAFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dpj98
February 20th, 2010
7:27 pm
Ball Blewitt has finally moved beyond your garden variety Gaileyisms and is inventing an entire new coach speak. Best basketball game all year? Finally seen Derrick Favors?
You just played your best game of the year and still lost? WTF does that tell you Blewitt? You suck hard as a coach. If you’re gonna live and die off of one and dones, then at least get a few good years out of them (see Melo and Syracuse, Oden and Ohio St., Walls and Kentucky, Rose and Memphis, etc. etc), I thought Blewitt was just renting in Gaileyville for the past 10 years, but looks like he just bought a mansion and is running for Mayor. Somebody please evict him! For 10 years I’ve had to watch that garbage that he’s turned our basketball team into. It’s pathetic.
Could you imagine if we just lost and Paul Johnson proclaimed we played the best game of the year? Are you friggin kidding me?
LMAO
February 20th, 2010
7:27 pm
Gani….Please opt for the NBA! Tired of watching bricks!
LMAO
February 20th, 2010
7:38 pm
dpj98..you are so right! Coach Johnson would be livid and things would be corrected. This coach and his staff are a joke!
UGAissolastdecade
February 20th, 2010
7:44 pm
What little confidence this team had is all but gone. They certainly can’t have any. And, how many games this year have they lost at the free throw line? I’d guess at least 5 or 6. Definitely not the NCAA and if we get invited to the NIT we should just turn it down.
GaPeach
February 20th, 2010
7:59 pm
FAVORS was on FIRE!!!!!! Amazing performance. This is the Derrick Favors, All American, Mr Georgia Basketball, MVP Jordan Brand Classic. This is what I’m talking about!!!!! KUDOS to Mr Favors.!!!!!
Now with that said, GET RID OF HEWITT!!!! WTF was that, I agree with all of the above comments. Why was Mo on the damn bench? Hire a real coach and do this team some justice. He has no knowledge of the game. Did anyone check his credentials? Did he get his experience coaching street basketball? What’s going on? He doesn;t have a clue what to do at crunch time. That’s too bad for the guys. They are truly being robbed. Favors you were amazing and your talents were reconized…. Keep up the Great work!
LMAO
February 20th, 2010
8:22 pm
Hey Coach Blewitt…Imagine UK winning on the road with all freshman! You loser! Where are the excuses?
Poor Tech
February 20th, 2010
8:25 pm
sad that they’ll 1) be lucky to make the tournament or 2) make it in only to suffer an embarrassing first round loss
either way the people who say this team is “good” … i’m not buying it and those saying it have convinced themselves about a huge lie.
LMAO
February 20th, 2010
8:26 pm
this team sucks!
B'ham Jacket
February 20th, 2010
8:30 pm
He’s not coaching.
He has other things on his mind, like all the money he gets for
showing up at games and acting like he’s disappointed.
Poor Tech
February 20th, 2010
8:35 pm
“This weekend’s ACC Bubble Watch:
If Georgia Tech can pick up a road win at Maryland Saturday, they are just about in. The computers like the Yellow Jackets now they just need to finish it off on the floor”
lol “just about in”. That means with this loss they’re going backwards .. and they have 1 more conference road game to go not to mention a tough VT game they’ll probably also lose.
yep, this team will miss March Madness
NoCoach Blewitt
February 20th, 2010
9:18 pm
Carroll …… yeah I always read your articles but try to keep away from the flip floppers (see Bradley and Schultz) …….. I agree with the comment above if we do not make the tourney then we should just pull a Cremins and tell the NIT where to shove it ….. by we I mean DRAD cuz I am sure Blewitt would think its a victory that we made a post season tournament
Also I do not believe for a second that Blewey told them not to allow the corner shot ….. granted he probably told them no Vasquez or lob near the basket but I am almost positive thats where it ended …. and what happens??? D somehow falls asleep and they get a guy wide open for a perfect entry pass (Blewitt pay attention how this is accomplished) and an open shot since Rice failed to actually jump to defend the shot
We win the next game (barely) and lose out ……. Moe Miller is still wondering WTF he has to do to get playing time after he played amazing the previous two games … Meanwhile almost everytime Bell gets the ball he turns it over and not to mention is inability to pass, rebound or shoot .. “But he is a fifth year senior.”
Carroll just do me a favor and after we lose the last two games, try to think what would a reporter from New York ask….And grill this incompetant donk!!! I mean he, like his team, is Groundhog Day …. I think years ago he created 10 answers and no matter the question he pulls one out of the old hopper
Truth
February 20th, 2010
9:21 pm
$7mm yesterday, $7mm today, $7mm tomorrow, $7mm next week….God I love Dave Braine.
GT Fan
February 20th, 2010
9:24 pm
Don’t you just love Mr. Braine? Better don’t you just love Paul Hewitt? Please DRads fire Paul Hewitt…..
NoCoach Blewitt
February 20th, 2010
9:28 pm
So Easy Even A Caveman Could Do It ………. guess Blewitt isnt as smart as a caveman
Truth
February 20th, 2010
9:30 pm
The funny thing is that Dave Braine did far less to destroy the nerd athletic program than that old coot Bobby Dodd who all the nerds think of as their nerd hero.
GT-Armchair-QB
February 20th, 2010
9:31 pm
Basketball sucks. Always has. Always will.
NoCoach Blewitt
February 20th, 2010
9:47 pm
Nice only thing exciting in Winter Olympics bout to start …… Lets go Ohno … Again
William Casey
February 20th, 2010
10:02 pm
GT lost today because Favors madeTHE EXACT SAME FUNDAMENTAL DEFENSIVE ERROR on Maryland’s last in-bounds play that Clinch made against FSU in last year’s ACC Tourney. You overplay 1/2 step toward baseline guys. Oh well…. Team played well, though, except for FT shooting.
LMAO
February 20th, 2010
10:04 pm
DRAD…4 Football season Tickets. 4 Basketball season Tickets. $5,000 I give you. Guess which ones I drop next year? And don’t downgrade my football seats or I will drop those too!
Paul Hewitt
February 20th, 2010
10:05 pm
Three letters… N.I.T. and Three words…Lifetime Contract Biotches
LMAO
February 20th, 2010
10:09 pm
Blewitt….have you ever wors a road game in your life?
Where are you Mark Bradley?
February 20th, 2010
10:10 pm
We trusted you when you told us how dangerous Tech was going to be in the Tournament. You didn’t say it was going to be the NIT! We may have to play Georgia again. Not good. Not Good.
NoCoach Blewitt
February 20th, 2010
10:21 pm
I would easily give back the wonderful run of 2004 if it meant Brainless never called Blewitt in the first place …… I blame him for my slow deteriorating hair line
Paul Hewitt
February 20th, 2010
10:21 pm
Wow guys that was a great game. Great Game! I mean, can you believe that kid hit that half court shot and his coach called time out! lol. What a dumb move by the ole Terp head man. He is so overrated. So close, so close to beating us but we hung with it. We hung with it and battled and God was on our side tonight. Great game D.Fav. (whistle sounds) T.O. over. Okay guys lets just not foul. Its all good. I mean surely lightning doesn’t strike twice. (crowd erupts) Oh sh*t.
Jesse Stone
February 20th, 2010
10:24 pm
WTF happened to Gani Lawal. He is regressing. Does he have small hands? He has a terrible time holding onto the ball. Four words to summarize this season: THIS TEAM PLAYS DUMB
Baba O'Riley
February 20th, 2010
10:27 pm
What NBA team can justify to their fans the drafting of Gani Lawal? Three years of college ball and he is still a project. He’s a slim 6′8″ and he has ZERO face-up game. He has no range and he’s cost his team games because he can’t shoot free throws. He is a liability on the offensive end at the end of games and should be benched.
Truth
February 20th, 2010
10:29 pm
Come on Poindexter, take the redshirt off of that high school phenom Daniel Miller and SALVAGE THE SEASON!!! Miller is the ANSWER.
Truth
February 20th, 2010
10:30 pm
Baba – tell me ONE player that improved under the head nerd???
NoCoach Blewitt
February 20th, 2010
10:31 pm
Jesse ….. all players regress under Blewitt
Baba O'Riley
February 20th, 2010
10:36 pm
Coach Harpring sounds good
david
February 20th, 2010
10:36 pm
even obama could do a better job coaching this team
NoCoach Blewitt
February 20th, 2010
10:40 pm
Reggie Ball > Paul Blewitt
NoCoach Blewitt
February 20th, 2010
10:41 pm
And that is the worst thing anyone could ever say about a person
Baba O'Riley
February 20th, 2010
10:42 pm
Mr. Magoo > Frank Wren > Paul Hewitt
NoCoach Blewitt
February 20th, 2010
10:43 pm
HAHAHA USA has some fat dude on the 2 man bobsled team …… doesnt that sound counter productive
NoCoach Blewitt
February 20th, 2010
10:44 pm
The kids on The Hills > the kids from the Jersey Shore > Paul Blewitt