Jamie Kaiser Jr. stood in the deep corner as Maryland ran its action on the opposite side of the court. The ball rotated around and found the freshman who made his fourth three-pointer of the game. Just seconds later, Kaiser Jr. stole the ball and made a deep outlet pass to Donta Scott for a dunk sending the Xfinity crowd into a frenzy, eliciting chants for the freshman forward.
“It’s just really exciting because not only them but my teammates were also cheering me on to ” said Kaiser Jr. “That just shows how selfless of a team we have.”
Kaiser Jr.’s career high 14 points helped the Maryland Terrapins (13-8, 5-5 in Big Ten) beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers (15-6, 5-5 in Big Ten), 73-51, Saturday afternoon. The win brings the Terps’ conference record back to .500.
Kaiser Jr. scored 11 of his 14 points in the first half, helping spark the Terps’ 44-point first half.
Kaiser Jr. and Jahari Long entered the game following the under 16 minute media timeout and immediately made an impact. The pair combined for six made three-pointers in the half and were responsible for half of Maryland’s 44 points.
“It [The bench’s performance] helps us in a big way,” said Julian Reese. “Especially for their confidence, coming off the bench and being able to contribute like they did.”
The Terps’ scoring outburst was the most points they scored in a first half in conference play this season, and it wasn’t all due to the offense. The Terps defense aided the strong shooting causing nine turnovers which resulted in 14 Maryland points. Maryland outrebounded the Cornhuskers 22 to 11, earning Maryland 16 second chance points compared to just three for Nebraska.
“I just think everyone’s really locked in on what we’re doing and I think they understand what we have to do to win. They bought into it and we’re just not having as many breakdowns to be honest with you,” said Maryland head coach Kevin Willard. “It’s just as simple as that.”
The start was a positive sign after the Terrapins struggled in the first half of their previous five games. In those five games the Terps ended the first 20 minutes trailing and then had to mount a comeback in the final 20. This game the Terps needed no comeback.
Maryland scored 29 in the second half ending the game shooting over 40% from the floor and 42% from behind the three-point line. The Terps defense carried their strong play into the second half allowing just 24 points. The defense forced 18 turnovers in the game that resulted in 25 Maryland points. The Terps ended the game out-rebounding the Cornhuskers, 43 to 25, dominating the offensive glass collecting 17 offensive rebounds.
“You can’t give up 25 points off of turnovers and 18 second chance and have any chance of keeping it close and that’s the difference,” said Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg.
The Terps will travel to East Lansing, Michigan, for their second game against Michigan State this season. The teams last met at the start of the week where Maryland lost the game, 61-59, despite holding the Spartans to just 17 points in the second half.
