Why do so many expect the Terps to beat Syracuse? I can’t put my finger on it – there is the tradition of the Terps beating #1 teams, Syracuse (who was #1 coming into the weekend) seems to be running out of gas and will not be the #1 team on Monday night. After being sky high for the Duke game, I am not sure if ‘Cuse will be on the let down side of things or mad as hell.
It was a strange ending to the the Duke v ‘Cuse contest. Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim was thrown out of the game for arguing (going a little nuts) over a charging call on Baltimore’s CJ Fair that would have tied the game or given Syracuse the lead.
I believe that Boeheim was right in giving the ACC refs hell. He has to establish that you can’t give all the close calls to Duke. Maryland, back in the early 2000’s, went through the same process to gain a semi-equal footing on the calls against Duke.
As for tonight, the Terps need signature win and with only one more big game on the regular season schedule (Virginia March 9th), it is time for Maryland to rise up.
Big Monday
It should be electric at Comcast Center tonight. The students are supposed to be in the house at 5pm for practice for the flash mob and other time-out related activities. Maryland does big games better than anyplace else.
It is a gold out. If you are going to the game where your Maryland gold apparel.
Tradition of Beating #1, Terps Known as Giant Killers
If Gary Williams was still the coach, the Terp tradition of beating top teams would be an even stronger indicator of the Terps taking down the Orange. Even with Mark Turgeon, the Terps can get up for the big games. The Terrapins beat Duke twice last year and played big game tough at Alabama to get to the NIT Final 4.
Maryland is tied with UCLA for the 2nd most wins over a #1 team in history. UNC is first.
Syracuse is Running Out of Gas
If Maryland wins tonight, it will be said it is because Syracuse was on the downslope of the best start in the program’s history. Maybe true. As a Terp, I would have rather played ‘Cuse as the #1 team in America.
If Maryland wins, it is a step in the right direction for a team that is just now coming together.
The Terps Need a Signature Win
The Terrapins have zero wins against the top 50 teams. I don;t think that Maryland will get to the NCAA tournament. The Terps need a signature win to envision a brighter future. With Damonte Dodd starting to play more minutes at center, the Terps are a different team on defense.
Add in All-American Melo Trimble at point guard and shot makers Dion Wiley and Jared Nickens along with 7 footer Trayvon Reed for 2014. This should be the last year for a while that the Terps are looking in on the NCAA tournament.
I believe that Boeheim was right in giving the ACC refs hell.
boeheim conduct after the foul was called was completely inexcusable. despite the foul syracuse still had a chance to tie or win in regulation. his outburst costs his team any chance they had. it was one of the worst displays of coaching i've ever seen. his players should be furious at him