(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Now that we have entered the month of February, the heart of the ACC schedule is in full swing. While Wednesday’s action features a half-dozen teams in conference play, the main attraction is obviously the rivalry rematch between Duke and Maryland in College Park.

The Terrapins (14-7, 4-3 ACC) played admirably when they traveled to Cameron Indoor Stadium in early January, but it was not enough in what was a closely contested game. Duke (19-2, 6-1 ACC) ultimately prevailed, 71-64, but considering how the Terps had just two returning starters from last year’s squad and featured six new players on its roster, it was an encouraging performance.

Since their first meeting, the Blue Devils have endured two losses, both on the road. The most recent was this past Sunday when Duke traveled to Madison Square Garden to take on St. John’s. In a shocking result, the unranked Johnnies upset the road team, 93-78. While Duke only fell to #5 in the polls following the loss, it was another crushing blow to the already perceptually-weak, parity-ridden conference. Duke is the only ACC team that is ranked in the coaches poll this week.

Meanwhile, Maryland has won three in a row, two of which were on the road, and returns to the Comcast Center on Wednesday for a three game homestand.

While tonight’s matchup rekindles memories of last year’s game at Comcast Center, where 2010 ACC Player of the Year Greivis Vasquez knocked off the eventual national champions during Senior Night — sparking skirmishes between students and police — tonight’s result is more important for the Terrapins’ NCAA Tournament resume than anything else.