WASHINGTON - American University men's basketball lost the second half versus 25th-ranked (USA Today/ESPN) University of Maryland by just four points, 44-40, but an eight point first half by the Eagles led to their demise Saturday night in the Comcast Center, 79-48.

American opened the game hitting just one of its first 21 shots, and shot just 14.8 percent in the opening stanza.

"It wasn't about the shooting, it was about our mental and physical toughness," AU Head Coach Jeff Jones said. "We just didn't respond. It wasn't about missing shots, it was about competing."

Despite holding Maryland scoreless for a nearly five minute stretch in the opening half, the Terrapins held a 11-2 lead with 11:15 remaining. The Eagles rallied to hit three of their last six shots, but trailed at halftime, 35-8. The eight points were the fewest allowed by a Terrapin squad coached by Gary Williams.

The Eagles came alive in the second stanza, scoring 40 points on 37.1 percent shooting. However, Maryland shot 17-of-34 in the half, preventing any hope of an Eagle comeback.

The Eagles were led offensively by freshman Andre Ingram (Richmond, Va./Highland Springs), who was starting his first career game, with a game-high 16 points on four-of-eight shooting from behind the arc and a perfect four-for-four night from the line. Ingram's backcourt partner, senior Andres Rodriguez (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Louisville, finished with 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. Senior forward Jernavis Draughn (Triangle, Va./Potomac Senior) chipped in eight points, eight rebounds and two steals.

The Terrapins' Jamar Smith had a double-double, with 14 points and 12 boards. Smith was one of three Maryland players in double figures, with Chris McCray and Mike Jones both contributing 10 points.

AU opens its home schedule on Tuesday, Nov. 25, when they host the University of Delaware. Game time is set for 7 p.m.