The defining moment of Maryland's 85-72 victory over Oral Roberts last night occurred when Maryland Coach Gary Williams was whistled for a technical foul in the first half. Down 13, Maryland players at that instant awoke from an apparent stupor in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament.
In short, they got angry, much like Williams had futilely wanted them to all season. As a result, the Terrapins stunned Oral Roberts with a 17-0 run to help pull out the victory before 7,407 at Comcast Center.
Will Bowers, who started, loses the ball amid Oral Roberts defenders during an ugly first half at Comcast Center. The Terrapins made up a 13-point deficit with a 24-4 run to close the half.
(Joel Richardson -- The Washington Post)
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"Sometimes you do whatever it takes to get your guys fired up," Williams said. "That's part of coaching."
To start the game, Williams benched Chris McCray because he missed an academic appointment. Maryland point guard John Gilchrist did not play because of an ankle sprain, but he said he'll probably play in the next game.
Gilchrist said afterward that he most likely will gauge his NBA draft status at pre-draft camps this spring. "That's pretty much what I am going to do," he said, adding that he will keep his options open. If Gilchrist does not hire an agent, he can return to school.
Maryland (17-12) advanced to play the winner of the Southwest Missouri State-Davidson game most likely on Wednesday. It is little consolation for missing the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1993, but Maryland will continue to play in March.
"Nothing is going to make up for missing the tournament," said Travis Garrison, who scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. "But it would be great to win this thing."
The technical called on Williams for continuing to argue a loose ball call inspired the Terps after they trailed by 13 with 7 minutes 36 seconds remaining in the first half. Oral Roberts (25-8) did not score for the next 5:10, as Maryland went on a 24-4 run to close the half and grab a seven-point advantage.
Forward Nik Caner-Medley, who did not score, was visibly angry with at least one Oral Roberts player. Mike Jones, who scored 18 points, and Mike Grinnon both sank three-pointers during the surge. And Sterling Ledbetter had 10 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
Garrison was aggressive both on the boards and in attacking the rim, nearly tallying a double-double by halftime. Even freshman James Gist, who was doubtful to play because of a bruised knee, raised his intensity. Gist, whom Williams called "courageous," chased down guard Ken Tutt to block his layup attempt, sparking a fast break the other way that resulted in a Jones three-pointer.
The overriding question leading into the game was, will the Terps play hard? After all, Clemson played harder than Maryland on three occasions when the Terps seemingly needed only one win to reach the NCAA tournament.
Maryland provided an answer early, falling behind to a team that started three players 6 feet 1 or shorter. Some fans alternately jeered the game officials, opposing players and Maryland players.
Williams used his 10th different starting lineup this season to try another look, but it took a technical to awaken his team in its first NIT appearance since 1990.
"I was very pleased with our effort," Williams said. "Obviously, you are concerned this time of year with the disappointment and everything."
