Staff photo by Robert Willett
• Photo gallery: Maryland 88, UNC 85 (OT)
• First Look: See 111 unedited images from the game at Maryland.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Greivis Vasquez became latest opposing guard to join North Carolina’s 30-point club. Thirty or more against the Tar Heels, that is.
As a result, third-ranked UNC’s 10-game winning streak is over.
Vasquez scored 35 points — including the go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime — to beat UNC 88-85 at Comcast Center. He completed a triple-double with 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
Despite 16 first-half points by Vasquez, Carolina led by as many as 16 points in the second half, and 76-67 with two minutes left.
But Maryland used a 9-0 run over the final 97 seconds — culminating in a Greivis Vasquez drive with 9.2 seconds left – to tie it 76-76. UNC point guard Ty Lawson tried to hit a jumper to win it, but Vasquez partially blocked it to send it to overtime.
Then, with 1:13 left in overtime, Vasquez buried a 3-pointer to give his team an 84-81 lead. With 35.3 seconds left, Vasquez fouled Lawson; those two free throws cut the Terps’ lead to 84-83. Forced to foul, the Tar Heels sent Eric Hayes to the free throw line with 11.3 seconds left to give Maryland back an 86-83 cushion.
With 5.9 seconds left, UNC’s Wayne Ellington buried two free throws to cut the lead to one point, again. Vasquez countered with two more free throws with 5.4 seconds left, giving the Terps an 88-85 edge, again.
On final play, UNC's inbounds went to Lawson, but he fell down, turning the ball over and sealing Maryland's victory.
Vasquez is the fourth guard to thrash UNC’s perimeter defense for 30 or more points this season, joining Wake Forest’s Jeff Teague, Florida State’s Toney Douglas and Miami’s Jack McClinton
UNC was leading 6-0 when Vasquez began his onslaught, scoring Maryland’s first 16 points to cut Carolina’s advantage to 17-16 before the junior went to the bench for a breather. Then Adrian Bowie got fouled, and became the first Terp not named “Greivis” to score when he buried both free throws to make it 18-17 with 11:58 left.
Still, a Maryland player other than Vasquez didn’t score another field goal until Eric Hayes buried a three-pointer with 5:35 left in the half to cut UNC’s lead to 27-21. But UNC led 39-30 at halftime because other than Vasquez, the Terps shot 5-for-23 in the first half.
Robbi Pickeral has covered ACC sports for The News & Observer since 2003. She can be reached at 
Comments
I haven't read previous comments
Sun, 02/22/2009 - 09:49 — UNC1998so I'm sorry if I repeat anything. Congratulations to Maryland's players, coaches, and fans on a story book ending to an exciting game. UNC did not play up to it's potential. I was a little disappointed in play execution down the stretch. Also, UNC's defense chose to be Dr. Jekyl and nice and not in the way. I guess they better watch some freakin' film and work on some flippin' foot work. Maybe this is the game that will help Md. get into a postseason tournament. I'm just glad UNC could help (not). BTW, Hansbrough better start hitting his shots, because he ain't gonna get his points at the free throw line anymore.
unc1dmo
Sun, 02/22/2009 - 02:26 — tarheelfanblogWhich game were you watching?
Danny Green was 7-14 from the floor and had 18 points. In the 2nd half Green scored eight of UNC's first 15 points of the half and the Heels were up 8 when he got his fourth. I think if he stays in the game, the Heels are better off. There is no one else who plays the position he plays. He is 6-6 and athletic. When he went out you have to either go three guards and two bigs or two guards and three bigs. Green is versatile and was a huge part of the Heels 2nd half offense which they seemingly missed once he was out of the game.
agreed
Sun, 02/22/2009 - 11:07 — gvillegatrGreen is my MVP for the Heels and it showed (not showed) in the last 5 mins of the game when he was out.
his 5th foul was a joke as the defender had one foot up in the air and his body looked like a worm standing when the ref made the offensive charge call. amazing.
Well Roy, does it again! His
Sun, 02/22/2009 - 00:31 — legend47Well Roy, does it again! His carzy subing is a killer. You up buy 16 pt. and you pull all your starter except T.H. !! Come on Coach! Why! You get a Team down, you take out all the way !They score (3) time in row before you get them guys out. Maryland now on a rolled and too late !Why, give Bobby F. so much playing time??? He can't guard a 6'6" guy ! Hey, you're the Coach but you sure not thinking !!
hats off to Mary.
Sun, 02/22/2009 - 00:10 — gvillegatrthye were unconscience in the last 12 mins of the game. but this game doesnt get this far (probably) if Maryland is whistled for the appropriate foul against Ty Lawson with 136 to play and the Heels up 6.
he took the inbound pass from T (Maryland was playing a full court press ... kudos to Coach Williams) and took one dribble out of a double team and then fell down b/c the two defenders had their knees out. he "lost" the ball and Mary scores to be down 4. Ty should have been shooting FT's up 6.
what i'm really tired of is the coup that is going in the ACC over the last month or so. we all know what it is. It's the "play on" mentality the refs are doing when Tyler has the ball on offense or is battling for the ball. They have literally swallowed their whistles. it is BS is what it is.
but, if this team continues to allow no names and decent players to light them up, this is what is going to continue to happen. some loser had 20+ (5-6 3pt land at one point) to go along with Grover Vasquez' 30 +. same thing happened in BC and WFU loss.
I just dont know if this team can win it anymore. I mean, there are going to be harder teams than this crap we saw today. it is going to take six magical games in a row for the Heels to win. But, then again doesnt it always take six magical games for a team to win anyways ...
watching the highlights on espn right before I clicked "send." so I thought I would add this too!
the maryland grad (and MLB commisioner hater) Fur Pelt, says, "great screen from Hayes" right before Vasques makes the would be game winning three ball. problem is, the "great screen" was a forearm shiver to Ty Lawsons head. bucket would have been waived off b/c it happened before the shot.
anyways, i'm tired of whining. do with me what you will ...
Tarhole nation wine and
Sun, 02/22/2009 - 00:05 — bpreusingTarhole nation
wine and cheese
no championship this year
no heart
eat it
PATHETIC
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 23:13 — unc1dmoThese pathetic stiffs...play down to the opposition....take the opposition for granted..........
- PLAY zero perimeter defense and another stiff has a CAREER day
-D Green thinks he's Tywon Lawson and keeps throwing up these running 1 hander prayers that hit nothing but metal.....he didn't foul out early enough
Loyal Uunc Fans of the Tarheel Nation
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 22:31 — echllcWe just sucked tonight and Maryland played their behinds (belwood) they have our number in b-bll and f-ball. Give props where they are due. It still F$$%'ing sucks though, sorry (belwood) couldn't resist. BTW, have you planted a tree since we last spoke hippy?
The Terps burst the Tar Heel Bubbles
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 21:38 — jeromfitzCarolina lost because they already a sure pick into the NCAAs post season and the Terps just bump their bubbles all over Carolina at home today. It was a classic game to Maryland but Carolina fans say what the h_ll is going on the the refs none calls. It help the bubble team today because Carolina would've had the regular season title on lockdown. Now they have to sweat even harder. It's okay Carolina you got to just stay consistent again with good shot selections or make good movement with the ball into good spots. They look tired today in the end a little. Tarheels Might need a couple days offs especially Lawson being in his home state.
Roy's coaching strategy
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 21:34 — MrSenenenmI can hear it now in the huddle:
"Who the ---- has got Vasquez???"
hey roy ! you like
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 21:28 — carbonLibhey roy ! you like apples?
how'd you like THOSE frickin apples?
silly holes...
Same ole story
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 21:21 — BingoDefense was horrible and shot selection, especially by Greene, was terrible toward the end of the game. The low percentage shots rushing the basket and pulling up 5 feet in front and popping a jumper, failed several times. This is not a top ten team. As the 3's fell, there was no adjustment at all. This team has demonstrated over and over they cannot close the half or the game from a set, stalled play call. Pathetic performance.
Then name 10 better teams
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 21:31 — rtarnowskiIt's one loss. Step away from the ledge.
In Roy's Words
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 20:17 — keihinWell F*ck.
Sincerely,
Roy Williams
Due for a loss
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 20:08 — ghuskethAbsolutely uninspired defense from the Heels the last few games so they were probably due to lose. The officiating was pretty horrible the last 2 min of regulation though.
Belwood I can't leave this alone
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 19:48 — echllcYou said "those who cant do, watchand those who cant think, belittle.,......ummmm. Since my college days are long past me, then I definitely can't play 40 minutes of b-ball and if you would pull yourself righteous head out of your ....then you'd understand what blogs are all about. You probably watch Oprah and Dr. Phil everyday and you probably are well within touch of your inner beauty and that's great.
Enough when you quit seeing Brown look back at the history on me as a fan on this blog, I congratulated the terps on their win. For the love of god can't we just get along and have some fun? BTW, Oprah is on in ten minutes......
vasquez, terps
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 19:31 — belwoodThe comments made by juvenile fans, including the use of disguised curse words and denigrating comments about teams and players continues to amaze and disappoint me. It's so easy to hide behind a keyboard. Talk about the use of "yellow"!!!
Those who can't do, watch. Those who can't think, belittle others.
belwood this is the wrong forum for you
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 19:39 — echllcAnybody who wirtes to the thwese boards has the right to say whatever we want, I'm sure that is one of the reason you came to this country. So if you dont like it dont read it. Nobody's hiding belwood but if youd like to give us your name and address we would be more than happy to fprocess your request to have a lcean blog page. Quit being so serious this is the ACC which stand for the Atlantic Coast Conference not Angry venezuelans who Cant Cut up. And trust me I would gladly say the real cuss words if this blog would let me. Now go make me some coffee.
Defense
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 19:24 — bmac74I am tired of the Tarheels not having good defense, and them thinking the talent they have will get them by. this was an atoricious defensive effort. I am a huge heels fan but will not be picking them to win the National Championship. You dont find defense this late in the season. Blowing a 16 point lead in the second half and 9 point lead in the last 97 seconds is horrible. If FSU was a win the that turned the season around, this might be the loss, that will lable this group of players, the biggest chokers of all time. Think about it up ten to Georgetown with 4 minutes to go, they lose. Last year didnt even show up againest Kansas. I didn't even mention losing to George Mason. This team plays with no heart, or sould and has for the last 3 years.
Perimeter defense and toughness?
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 19:11 — antgrahamIs it me or do the Heels allow a perimeter player (either the PG or SG) of every team to score 20+ points every game? What good is it to shoot 90 points per game if you're allowing other teams to shoot nearly the same amount of points? It's basically a wash.
This team needs to find some toughness from someone or some where. Talent is great but it means nothing if you don't have the will and desire to want to rebound, to defend, to win. I'm sorry; I'm not impressed by this team, and I'm concerned about next year's team too. Where's the toughness? Where's the recruit who has the passion of a JR Reid, George Lynch, Jerry Stackhouse, Rasheed Wallace, Raymond Felton, Rashad McCants, David Noel? Guys who can't stand losing and who show disgust on their faces when they do lose? I don't see that from any of these guys, and I don't see it from any recruits on the horizon.
Response
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 19:23 — echllcThey've got to turn it up. And one thing you can always count on is a player having the game of their life against the heels, Teague 38pts., Rice 34pts., Vasquez triple double (third in school history). They need to eat some humble pie and get their @$$ refocused. Or it will be a short March. Nice Win Twerps.
Free Throws
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 19:04 — echllcYou gotta make the free throws, Green makes both, it doesn't go to OT. Can't take anything away from Maryland they played awesome and their beaner Vasquez, had his break out game, third triple double in school history, really? That kid wont score thirty points in a game the rest of the season. But Congrats Terps @$$ whipping well dished. Id hate to be on that bus on the way home.
FEAR THE F***ING TURTLES BABY!
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 19:04 — lil576Now O'l Roy will really have something to say.
Lil 576
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 19:06 — echllcAre you now a Maryland fan, how convienent? The Tarheel nation is saying it for ol roy.
ugh
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 18:59 — rtarnowskiwell, that was gross