By DCist contributor Brett Gellman
The Maryland Terrapins (9-6, 0-1 ACC) have experienced their fair share of ups and downs now that we’ve reached the midway point of the season. After an encouraging win against Illinois in the ACC/Big 10 Challenge back in November, the Terps suffered a three-game losing streak which was punctuated with a stunning loss to American at the Comcast Center just a few days before Christmas. It was AU’s first win against Maryland since the 1926-1927 season. Since then, Coach Gary Williams has challenged his young team’s intensity, even taking the Coach K route by removing the nameplates and pictures from the player’s locker room. The result? A three-game winning streak.
The Terps began their turnaround against Delaware six days after the American stunner with a 76-46 romp, then defeating Savannah State 75-48 just a few days later. The most important victory, however, was this past Saturday in the team’s first true road game of the season against UNC Charlotte. Maryland blew a 21-point lead in the second half but was able to squeak out a W after senior James Gist knocked down a vital free throw in the game’s final seconds to seal the win, 76-72. Tonight, the Terps face Holy Cross, their final non-conference opponent of the season. As the projected favorites of the Patriot League, the Crusaders are a Top 100 RPI team that made the NCAA Tournament last season and, as Maryland already knows after losses to Ohio and AU, cannot be overlooked.
After Tuesday’s game, the Terrapins being ACC play with a visit to Virginia Tech. With many writing Maryland’s season off after the American debacle, the Terps still have a chance to turn things around and close out strong in conference action. Remember, in the eyes of the NCAA committee, it’s not how you start but how you finish.
In women’s action, the #4 Terps (18-1, 2-0 ACC) have dominated the conference schedule two games into the season. They blew out both Wake Forest and Clemson, outscoring their opponents by a whopping 98 points combined. Senior Crystal Langorne was named ACC Player of the Week for the fifth time in her career after shooting 70% over the past two games. Maryland travels to BC on Thursday before hosting #12 Duke next Monday at the Comcast Center.
