The Maryland Terrapins broke out the Ronald McDonald, french-fry yellow unis for Saturday afternoon's game against the third-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, and for 30 minutes they played like a bunch of players destined for careers in the fast-food industry, or at least a profession that doesn't involve dribbling basketballs. Junior guard -- and on-court cheerleader -- Greivis Vasquez scored the Terps' first 16 points to keep the game close, and then he didn't make another basket until 21 game minutes later. By that time, Maryland trailed by 16 and their already slim chances of backing into the NCAAs seemed pretty much gone.
Apparently not. Vasquez was just getting warmed up -- he would end the day with 35 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists -- as were teammates Cliff Tucker and Eric Hayes. Tucker and Hayes combined for 39 points, primarily on 8-for-15 shooting behind the arc, and both played a central role in Maryland overcoming a double-digit second-half deficit and eventually pulling out the win in overtime.
Next up for the Terps: Duke. And if Gary Williams' team is going to sew up a tournament bid, beating the Blue Devils will virtually guarantee it. In the meantime, beating the Heels is a huge first step to the final 65, which goes a long way in explaining why fans stormed the court.
For North Carolina, they'll need a strong finish to lock up a No. 1 seed, but in the scheme of things, this loss doesn't mean much. Maryland's a tough place to play (unless you're Morgan State) and historically, Gary Williams has had success against the Heels. All that's left to do is for Roy Williams to drop a few f-bombs in the post-game presser, and UNC can then put the loss behind them.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
2-21-2009 @ 7:15PM
tpbhome said...
This talk about a NCAA bid for Maryland is a joke. They played 13 or their first 15 games at home and lost to Morgan State at home and lost to a bad Georgetown team by 25 points on the road. They should make the NIT maybe but thats all.
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2-21-2009 @ 7:39PM
eaglenone said...
once again Gary outcoaches one of the supposed top coaches..if he could get comparable talent Maryland would be final four every year...he does more with less than anyone in division 1
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2-24-2009 @ 9:26PM
sergeantruss said...
Remember, the coach does the recruiting too. So, blame the lack of talent on the same coach.
2-21-2009 @ 8:04PM
Unc,Bro said...
Getting one lucky win doesnt mean crap. Its how you play daily, just because some of their players stepped up doesnt mean anything, it all counts on if they can put up the standard repeatdly or not.
Personally im mad, but i also think that this lost is good for both teams. Partly because it shows our Tar Heels that we are never invincible, and it shows Maryland that they can step up and play great basketball
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2-21-2009 @ 8:46PM
jlevans1990 said...
if people could put their allegiances aside, and give credit where it is due -- maryland played better than UNC "today" -- that doesn't mean maryland is better, just better today . . . It will be interesting to see if they show up Wednesday against Duke.....sportswriter
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2-21-2009 @ 9:28PM
avonlady256 said...
Maryland got the win with refs help!
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2-21-2009 @ 9:30PM
avonlady256 said...
doesn't anyone want to discuss the no-calls at the end of regulation and the end of OT?
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2-21-2009 @ 10:03PM
Hubert said...
From a Tar Heel fan... The Heels have got to learn..don't let up..don't feel sorry for the other team. The stunk. Hope Roy made them walk back to Chapel Hill.
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2-21-2009 @ 10:16PM
blindskateluke said...
Maryland played better down the stretch than UNC, they wanted it more and Gary out-coached Roy. For Maryland, this increases its NCAA hopes dramatically. A win vs. Duke or Wake (both will be played at College Park), then the Terps are probably dancing. If not, then it will be an interesting Selection Sunday (assuming they win vs. NC State on UVA, both on the road -- it's a big assumption). This win over UNC proves how great of a coach Gary is, as far as getting his kids prepared and his in-game coaching. Gary's the main reason why Maryland beat a team today whose talent is far superior to that of the Terps. Go Maryland!
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2-21-2009 @ 11:25PM
Mike said...
Everyone knows that MARYLAND is the BEST team in the ACC and probably the entire COUNTRY!!! :)
They were just waiting to turn it on when it counts... BRING ON MARCH MADNESS....GO TERPS!!
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2-21-2009 @ 11:46PM
Thomas said...
2nd best...Morgan State has you guys beat.
2-22-2009 @ 10:40AM
blurp6 said...
The ref's calls? You have to be kidding me! Tyler H. is a great player, but for 4 years now ACC fans have been watching him shuffle his feet to gain position under the basket. Not to mention that he has mastered the Duke move of lowering a shoulder to clear space. Neither call ever gets made. Stop with the ref comments. ACC officials are the worst, have been for a long time, and every team in the league has had to cope with them for years.
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2-22-2009 @ 1:36PM
rgreensboro6 said...
Tyler Hansbrough is another media-loved UNC player that walks 5 or 6 times a game, has to go to the bench every 3 or 4 minutes because he's out of breath. He will be another UNC All American who won't be able to hack it in the pro's. Everyone though Eric Montross was gonna be great, where is he now? Sure not in the NBA!
2-22-2009 @ 1:17PM
waynewatson72 said...
mikes a fool......Maryland the best team in the acc?
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2-22-2009 @ 1:19PM
waynewatson72 said...
Maryland still will not make the NCAA tournament. they would have to when the Acc tournament
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2-22-2009 @ 3:36PM
dwightc said...
Williams is a great recruiter but an average coach. His time management skills at the end of games make you wonder if he learned anything from Dean Smith when he was an assistant or as a player at North Carolina. His teams does terrible playing against the clock. Maybe that why he only won one national championship in his career. I am a true Tarheel, but I don't have alot of confidence in Coach Williams with the game on the line.
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2-22-2009 @ 8:20PM
Ric said...
HELL I'm a md.fan Mike your crazy & hte rest of you butt heads can't spell. But you can whine very well !!! GO TERPS
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2-24-2009 @ 9:36PM
sergeantruss said...
Can you spell. I think the word you are trying to spell is the.
2-22-2009 @ 10:37PM
mark said...
GO TERPS!!
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2-23-2009 @ 2:27PM
folksrus said...
Give credit where credit is due..The Terps ROSE to the occasion. They knocked off a superior talented team. MD can play with anyone.. Don't be suprised if the Terps knock off either Duke or Wake.. GO TERPS.
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