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RECAP
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BOX SCORE
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Frustrated by its worst start in 32 years,
Maryland took it out on young and raw Michigan.
|  | | Maryland's Lonny Baxter had 17 points, five rebounds and three steals as the Terrapins routed Michigan. |
Juan Dixon had 19 points and Lonny Baxter had 17 as the Terrapins (No. 14 ESPN/USA Today; No. 13 AP) led from start to finish in Saturday's 82-51 rout in the semifinals of the BB&T Classic.
"This is how we need to play," Maryland point guard Steve Blake said. "We are on the right track. Hopefully we can keep it on track. It was great to get this win and get on a roll."
Maryland, playing close to home for the first time this season, will meet George Washington in Sunday's championship game. The Colonials upset St. John's (No. 21 ESPN/USA Today; No. 19 AP) on Saturday.
Ranked No. 5 in the preseason poll, the Terrapins (2-3) had a
rough road against tough opposition at the Maui Invitational in
Hawaii and the ACC/Big 10 Challenge in Wisconsin.
The Wolverines (2-3), who started three freshmen and a
sophomore, were the perfect remedy. Maryland took leads of 16-7,
29-15 and scored the last 11 points of the first half to go up
45-23.
"We were frustrated, but we also have our pride as a team,"
Maryland coach Gary Williams said. "We know what we can do as a
basketball team. It was tough in November, but only the good teams
play in November in those types of tournaments. It's hard on the
players to play every game at that level."
The first sure sign that Maryland was righting itself came 1:49
into the game, when long-range threat Dixon made his first
3-pointer after starting the season 0-for-9.
Baxter also went to work early, overwhelming 7-foot-2 freshman
Josh Moore with a three-point play and a basket off an offensive
rebound in the first three minutes. Baxter, the consistent bright
spot during the three losses, even had a steal-and-assist in open
court on a feed to Danny Miller for a layup that made it 22-11.
"Lonny Baxter, he's really had some good games before today,"
Williams said. "But because we haven't won all those games, a lot
of people haven't said too much about it."
The Terrapins had just three turnovers at halftime, while
forcing 10 by the Wolverines. The suspense-lacking second half
turned sloppy at times, and Michigan finished with 24 turnovers to
Maryland's 12.
Michigan never cut the lead below 20 points after halftime,
allowing Williams to rest Baxter, Dixon and the rest of the
starters. No one played more than 25 minutes for the Terrapins.
LaVell Blanchard, whose 19 points per game led Michigan going
into the game, made just 3 of 13 shots and finished with eight
points. Bernard Robinson was the Wolverines' top scorer with 20
points and seven rebounds.
"Gary's team came out with their backs against the wall,"
Michigan coach Brian Ellerbe said. "We didn't have defensive
intensity. I can't put my finger on why."
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ALSO SEE
Mens College Basketball Scoreboard
Maryland Clubhouse
Michigan Clubhouse
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