Nov. 18, 1997

Maryland Conquers Knights, 81-70

LaRon Profit scored 27 against FDU. (File photo)

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - After taking the lead with seven minutes to go in the first-half, the Maryland Terrapins held off numerous runs by Fairleigh Dickinson to win 81-70 before a crowd of 9, 318 at Cole Field House. Led by junior All-America candidate Laron Profit's career-high 27 points, 11 rebounds and four steals, the Terps used their full-court press to cause crirtical turnovers. After recording a previous high of 24 points on Friday night against South Carolina, once again stepped up his performance down the stretch scoring 18 second-half points.

Other strong performances came from seniors Rodney Elliot and Sarunas Jasikevicius who scored 16 and 15 points respectively. Junior point guard Terrell Stokes ran the offense with nine assists and four steals.

Although the veterans provided the necessary punches throughout the game, it was the newcomers who stepped up during crucial moments. Redshirt freshman Mike Mardesich pulled down eight rebounds in only 17 minutes, and ACC Freshman of the Year candidate Terence Morris showed his combination of athleticism and strength with eight points off of three offensive rebounds.

For the Knights, forward Rahshon Turner scored 18 points and Jermaine Slider sank five three-pointers on his way to 17. Although Farleigh Dickinson remained strong on the boards with the taller Maryland players, the team only recorded one assist in the second-half.

With Fairleigh Dickinson's seven three-pointers keeping them in the game, Profit scored four points in a seven second span--one off a Jasikevicus alley-oop and the second off his own open court steal--stopping a final Knight run.

Maryland (1-1, 0-0) hosts Mount Saint Mary's Saturday night at Cole Field House at 7:30 p.m.

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