Maryland head coach Mark Turgeon was not happy after his team’s loss to Ohio State on the road, and he wasn’t pulling any punches after the game. Turgeon’s team was controlled through most of the contest, but got back into it late. Still the Buckeyes were able to hold on for a big 79-72 win, giving the Terrapins just their fourth loss in conference play.
Turgeon met with the media after the game and took offense to the way Ohio State big man Kaleb Wesson was able to operate down low in the post.
“Tonight he (Wesson) made his shots,” said Turgeon postgame. “His pick and pop. And I just thought he was allowed to be the bully offensively today. I mean, he stuck a forearm right into Stix’s chest twice. I guess you’re allowed to do that here in this building. He was allowed to be the bully — if he’s allowed to be the bully, he’s a heck of a player.”
Turgeon did walk those comment back just a bit, praising Wesson, but the comments will not play well to Ohio State fans and coaches.
“He (Wesson) was terrific. He scored around the basket. His defense was great, his ball-screen defense and recovery was really good.”
Mark Turgeon on Kaleb Wesson: "He was allowed to be the bully offensively today. I mean, he stuck a forearm right into Stix's chest twice. I guess you're allowed to do that here in this building. … And if he's allowed to be the bully, he's a heck of a player."
— Emily Giambalvo (@EmilyGiam) February 24, 2020
Someone might want to tell Turgeon that the officials are not employed by Ohio State, nor is this something that is only happening to Maryland. The calls went both ways, and Kaleb Wesson has had to deal with getting his fair share of bullying against him.
It all sounds a bit like sour grapes and the head coach of Maryland should know better. In his defense, Turgeon was quick to credit Ohio State for its play right when he sat down at the postgame press conference, but that will be overshadowed by what will be perceived as poor sportsmanship. This is the Big Ten, and it requires teams to put on the big boy pants.
It’s not fun to watch a lot of times, and Maryland has had a fantastic season being tough and playing through a lot of what this conference offers. However, it didn’t do it tonight, and that’s the real story here.
You can bet Chris Holtmann didn’t agree with these comments either.
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