A strong second quarter gave Maryland a 12-2 lead heading into halftime and the Terps never looked back on Sunday, giving Maryland a 21-5 win over Vermont and their eighth consecutive win in the NCAA Tournament First Round.
Through one quarter, it looked like the Terps might be put to the test. Those thoughts were quickly erased as Maryland went on a 9-1 run in the second quarter to head to halftime with a 12-2 lead. This game was another example of their dominance this season. All in all, Maryland came away with a 21-5 win, the largest margin of victory in a NCAA tournament game in program history.
The game started with a typical Maryland fast start, scoring 45 seconds in off a Winsauskas shot. Eric Malever scored a minute later to give the Terps an early 2-0 lead. Vermont got on the board at the 10:06 mark in the opening frame before Maryland went on a nine goal run.
Twelve different Terps scored at least one goal in the win while sixteen different players recorded at least one point, but Wisnauskas was his usual self today, finishing the day with six points on four goals and two assists. Owen Murphy (3 goals, 1 assist), Anthony DeMaio (3 goals, 2 assists) and Keegan Khan (2 goals, 3 assists) also had big days on the offensive end.
The Terps' specialists were also on point on Sunday with Luke Wierman finishing 16 of 19 against Tommy Burke, who just went 19-21 against Manhattan. Goalie Logan McNaney was a brick wall as well. The defense didn't give up many shots, but when the Catamounts did get a look, McNaney was there with the timely save, making 11 saves and only letting in 3 goals. The five goals for Vermont were the fewest they scored all season.
Up next, Maryland travels to Columbus, OH for their Quarterfinals game for a rematch with Virginia, a rematch of the 2021 national championship game. While the Terps looked impressive in their 23-12 win over the Cavaliers earlier this season, this is the game that matters. Virginia has ended Maryland's season the past two times a full season was played (2019 and 2021). The game will be televised on ESPNU on Sunday with the time being announced later.
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