Terps Upset By Michigan, Suffer First Big Ten Loss

By Sebastian Obando

With less than 15 seconds remaining at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, guard Rasheed Sulaimon rapidly dribbles the ball up court. Down three, the senior attempts to create enough separation in order to attempt a game-tying shot. Sulaimon’s ensuing three pointer, however, was no good, as the Michigan Wolverines managed to upset the No. 3 Terps 70-67.

“We got a good look, we really did. You need a three and it’s hard to make a three,” head coach Mark Turgeon said after the game. “We lost the game way before that. We had some possessions that came up empty.”

Despite a dismal first half performance, where the Terps committed nine turnovers and shot 12 of 26 from the field, senior Jake Layman and junior Robert Carter Jr. we’re able to carry the Terps to stay within reach of the Wolverines. The two finished the night with 18 points and 15 points, respectively, with Layman also notching 10 rebounds. Along with Layman and Carter Jr’s strong performances, guard Varun Ram displayed an impressive showing off the bench. The guard checked into the game early in the first half due to Melo Trimble’s foul trouble, and provided quality minutes defensively.

“It was the first time all year [Trimble] has been in foul trouble. We rely on Melo,” Turgeon said. “I thought Varun [Ram] was terrific for us, really helped us guard.”

Along with Layman and Carter Jr., freshman Diamond Stone led the Terps in scoring with 22 points, while also grabbing 11 rebounds. Guard Rasheed Sulaimon scored eight points and notched five rebounds. Trimble posted two points with three assists.

“I think we learned a lot about ourselves tonight, which is what’s important,” Turgeon said. “We’ll get better from it. We got a few guys that need to play a little bit better, be a little more consistent.”

With the loss, the Terps drop to 15-2 and will look to bounce back this Saturday at home against Ohio State.