NCAA - Ibekwe leads Terps

Nigeria's Ekene Ibekwe tied a season-high with 21 points and Chris McCray added 16 as 17th ranked Maryland ruined the Atlantic Coast Conference debut for sixth-ranked Boston College with a 73-71 victory last Sunday in the American Collegiate game.

Ibekwe, a player the Terps desperately needs to shine this season, if they are to contend for honours in the ACC and could play on an even bigger stage such as the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan should Nigeria make a serious move for him.

His performances are putting the power forward on the radar of the African nation, as they consider their squad selection for the FIBA World Championship in Japan next year.

The 6ft 9in junior's parents, Agatha and Augustine, are natives of Nigeria, who qualified for the FIBA World Championship in Japan by finishing third at the 2005 FIBA Africa Championships.

Ibekwe also has a brother, who plays the game. Onye Ibekwe is a senior at Long Beach State.

In a contest that went back and forth until the final minutes, Ibekwe sparked the Terrapins early with his perfect shooting. He started six of six from the field, including a baseline jam to beat the first-half buzzer for a 35-33 lead.

Ibekwe finished eight of 13 from the field with nine rebounds as Maryland (7-2, 1-0) improved to 4-1 in the all-time series with Boston College.

"I think it was his toughest game where he played really well," Maryland coach Gary Williams said about his center's performance against the Eagles' inside duo of Smith and Jared Dudley.

"For (Ibekwe) to hang in there and not foul out, I thought he did a great job."

"Foul trouble has been a problem for me in the past," Ibekwe said. "I just told myself if I stay out of foul trouble, I can play longer on the court. Obviously my team needs me and I want to be out there for them, to play strong to play big inside."

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