Maryland on playing Alabama basketball in Birmingham: 'Like another road game'

BIRMINGHAM — No. 1 seed Alabama basketball went to its second Sweet 16 in three years with a 73-51 win over No. 8 Maryland on Saturday night. Maryland players acknowledged the hostile environment at Legacy Arena, locaed about an hour from the UA campus.

"It's pretty much like another road game," said Terrapins senior forward Julian Reese, who scored 14 points before fouling out late in the game. "Playing in the Big Ten, I'm kind of used to stuff like that. We just focus on the win."

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Maryland coach Kevin Willis had praise for Alabama's defense, which held the Terrapins to 35.2% shooting, including just 12.5% from beyond the arc.

"There's a reason why they were second in 3-point field goal defense," said Willard. "I think they're first or third in overall defense. They have a very simple game plan which works."

Willard spoke highly of Alabama guard Jahvon Quinerly, who scored a game-high 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, noting that he offered the Crimson Tide senior a scholarship as a freshman in high school.

"I've watched him every second of the way," said Willard. "To be honest with you, he killed us tonight. I'm really happy for Jahvon Quinerly. He's a terrific young man."

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Maryland on playing Alabama basketball in Birmingham: 'Like road game'