The Maryland Terrapins hung tough early but ultimately couldn't keep pace with the Duke Blue Devils and their hot outside shooting, falling 84-64 in what could have been their final trip to Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Maryland trailed by just four late in the first half went into halftime down eight. The Terps were still very much in the game until midway through the second half when things began to fall apart.
Foul trouble and an inability to control Duke's guards ultimately doomed the Terps, who will get a chance for revenge at the Comcast Center later next month.
Charles Mitchell was one of the few bright spots for the Terps, pounding the glass in limited minutes and finishing with a team-high 13 points.
Guard Seth Allen did not play until midway through the second half because of a disciplinary issue, and that certainly didn't help Maryland's cause. Allen wasn't a factor in his limited minutes, but it was probably difficult to get into a rhythm after sitting most of the game.
With Allen out, Pe'Shon Howard saw extensive minutes and showed one reason why the Terps have struggled so much in ACC play. After doing a great job running the point in non-conference play, it seems that the better competition has caught up with Howard.
He managed just five points, three assists and a turnover against Duke, though sadly that stat line is actually one of his best of late and doesn't accurately portray how overmatched he really was against the Blue Devils.
Logan Aronhalt also continues to struggle in conference play and had another tough day. Unless he is left wide open from behind the three-point line, he isn't able to provide anything of value for the team.
James Padgett also failed to have an impact against Duke and has been a big disappointment this year. He was a solid player last year but has since regressed.
Maryland needs all three of these veteran players to at least provide them something when they are in the game.
Maryland travels to Florida State Wednesday night with a chance for revenge after blowing a double-digit lead in the second half to the Seminoles at the Comcast Center just a couple of weeks ago.
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