Maryland men’s basketball dominates Alcorn State 96-58 behind play of Derik Queen

Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics

The Terps have won as many games as there have been days in December. 

To open the final month of the year, Maryland Basketball (7-1) defended home court once again, defeating the Alcorn State Braves (0-9), 96-58. 

The Terps utilized a quick start to its advantage, leading by seven at the first stoppage of play. However, it was short-lived. The Braves came out firing, quickly gaining a two-point lead, forcing Maryland to take a timeout. The Terps couldn’t seem to hit a shot and turned it over on multiple possessions in that time frame. 

The rough stretch was soon forgotten though, as the Terps got back in stride quickly. They would finish the first half shooting above 50% from the field and from beyond the arc for the second consecutive game. 

Unlike against Bucknell, those averages did not fall off in the second half. The Terps would finish shooting 57.1% from the field and 47.8% from three, both being the best marks for a full game so far this season. The ball movement constantly created open shots, as the team finished with 25 total assists on the day. Head coach Kevin Willard attributes that success to simply taking the open shots they’re given. 

“That was one of our issues last year. We were seventh in the country in open shots, but 340th in making them,” Willard said. “This year, it’s just different. The ball movement is good, we’re popping it, and we have guys just making shots.”

Four of the Terps’ starters scored in the double digits. Derik Queen led the way with 20 points, also recording nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and a steal. Although he was a rebound shy of his third double-double, his running mate in the frontcourt, JuJu Reese, was not. Reese finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds in just 19 minutes of playing time. Deshawn Harris-Smith was a nice compliment off the bench, as the sophomore added 10 points, three rebounds, five assists, and a steal. 

“I think he’s doing a great job,” Willard said of Harris-Smith. “The biggest thing for me is it gives me someone that I have a lot of confidence in coming off the bench, someone that understands the system, that I know is going to do all the right things, make the right plays.”

While the Terps are off to a hot start in the young season, the real challenge is about to begin. The squad will open up conference play on Wednesday evening, as they host the Ohio State Buckeyes. 

“I feel like we can match up with anybody,” Harris-Smith said. “Whatever the other team can do, we can do just as well, if not, better.”

Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. and can be viewed on the Big Ten Network.