Maryland sophomore point guard Melo Trimble was unstoppable all night, finishing with a game high 25 points on 5 of 10 shooting
Maryland entered this season with final four and national championship expectations from most experts. With a collection of returning players blended in with talented newcomers, dominance throughout the 15-16 season appeared almost guaranteed. The Terps looked every bit the part against the UConn Huskies. Led by sophomore star point guard Melo Trimble's game high 25 points, the Terrapins would defeat UConn 76-66 in front of a sold out Madison Square Garden in the 2015 Jimmy V Classic. UConn was put on the ropes early in the first half by Maryland, thanks to the exploits of Trimble (10 points) and freshman forward Diamond Stone who was a force inside, posting 12 points and 6 rebounds in the first half as Maryland led 38-22. At the start of the second half , Maryland picked up right where they left off, dominating the glass and pounding UConn inside. However, just when it looked like Maryland would roll to their eighth victory of the season, UConn went on a 16-5 run. Guard Sterling Gibbs and forward Shonn Miller would get things started with a couple of three's and a putback dunk and then Daniel Hamilton took over. Hamilton would score 17 of his 23 points in the second half, almost single handedly bringing UConn within striking distance late, hitting a 3- pointer to cut the lead to three 67-64 with 2:49 left in the game. Maryland inbounded the ball after the three from Hamilton and then a foul was called on guard Jalen Adams which sent UConn head coach Kevin Ollie over the edge, receiving a a technical in the process. Trimble would knock down 3 of 4 from the line and the Terps would finish off the Huskies. Maryland size advantage was evident, outrebounding UConn 45-24 for the game.
Melo Trimble finished with 25 points (5-10 FG/ 14-15 FT), 3 assist and 3 rebounds, Diamond Stone had arguably his best game of the season posting 16 points and 9 rebounds while Robert Carter fell two points short of a double double, scoring 8 points and grabbing a game high 11 rebounds.
Daniel Hamilton led UConn with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assist while Sterling Gibbs and Shonn Miller both added 12 points respectively.
Maryland host Maryland-Eastern Shore on Saturday.
UConn will welcome Ohio State this Saturday as well.
UConn sophomore standout Daniel Hamilton led the Huskies with 23 points, 17 of that coming in the second half
Freshman forward Diamond Stone was a force inside for Maryland, finishing with 16 points and 9 rebounds