If I had photoshop skills (or photoshop), I'd totally turn the title of the post into a visual pun.
Anyway, the Terps won because they matched up well against Cal, who relies on their defense and 3 point shooting. Maryland was able to stop perimeter shooters from making the high-percentage shots, as evidenced by Cal's terrible 3 percentage. In particular, check out Patrick Christopher's stats: 0-7 on the 3, and fouled out. Maryland looked well coached, and seemed to know exactly who to guard in which situations. Once Christopher fouled out, Cal went on a run that was too little, too late.
The Terps, by winning, have added to their own resume of credibility. By winning as a tenth seed against a team from another major seed, they've helped their chances of making the Big Dance next year. But more importantly, they showed the most tournament-time poise since their championship season, arguably. Memphis looks like a very intriguing matchup, they're of comparable overall skill to Wake Forest in my opinion. If Maryland can have the same kind of game they did against Cal and Wake, they might be able to pull off the awesome upset.
As for the rest of the field, I hate to say it, but it looks like another top seed heavy year. Good for my bracket, terrible for my underdog sympathies.
I'd type more, but I'm lazy. Comments, yo.
- Matt
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5 comments:
I agree that the Terps hustle well, and that certainly helped them - but are you kidding? The Terps had terrible 3 point D all year (there is some stat that backs this up that I am way too lazy to look up) and have been for the past 20 years under Gary. They got lucky that Cal had a terrible shooting night, especially their lead 3 point man who went 0 - 7. Vasquez kicked ass as usual, but they got lucky they weren't smoked.
Yeah, I didn't do any research. I just read the AP recap pretty much. I think only Duke kills them on 3s for some reason. But I'm probably wrong.
What's with these fuggin threes that American keeps hitting?!?
Thursday's results (using work bracket):
12 correct, 4 incorrect, 0 bracket busters (ie, anyone from sweet 16 losing). Not bad, I'd say.
Key wins: Maryland, Villanova, Gonzaga, Purdue
Key losses: Minnesota, Illinois (their opponents are threats to upset in the second round)
Key teams for Friday: USC, Utah State, Arizona State (have them in Elite 8), Florida State
you should expand sports coverage to rugby/soccer. But don't do MLS, oh god please do not do not cover the MLS. The highlight of my entire MLS watching career: D.C United playing LA Galaxy at LA; when Landon Donovan gets the ball, the LA crowd chants BAYERN REJECT.
I do like L.Donovan, but the fact that people actualy go to MLS games shocks me. And they enjoy the games.
I would rather watch the crazy mexican leagues, all of whom are probably sponsored by drug cartels, then watch the MLS for an extended period.
I'm sure Will shall enjoy this post.
Haha, ouch. Flame away, Will.
I know jackshit about rugby (aka land water polo) and soccer, so I don't even try to cover it. I think I'm more qualified to discuss jai alai.
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