Strong finish could get Maryland an NCAA bid
Maryland is 0-7 against teams in the RPI top 50. But even in the absence of a signature win, there’s still an opportunity to go places in the mediocre Atlantic Coast Conference.
With seven games left, including six against teams that are within two games of them in the standings, the Terrapins (16-8, 5-4) still have destiny in their hands, according to coach Gary Williams, who believes a high finish in the standings can guarantee Maryland its third straight NCAA berth.
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“I think fifth place gets you in,” said Williams, whose team is tied with Virginia Tech for fifth in the ACC.
Maryland’s next two games might be its most critical as it travels to Boston College (15-9, 5-5) on Saturday, then to Virginia Tech (15-7, 5-4) on Tuesday.
| Up next |
| Maryland at Boston College |
| When » Saturday, 1 p.m. |
| Where » Conte Forum, Chestnut Hill, Mass. |
| TV/Radio » ACC Network/980 AM |
| Maryland announced on Thursday that it will raise the jersey of Greivis Vasquez to the Comcast Center rafters on Sunday, Feb. 20, when the Terps host North Carolina State. |
Maryland lost to both last month at Comcast Center. If the Terps were to be swept by either, finishing ahead of them in the standings, and catching the eyes of the NCAA tournament committee, would be difficult.
But wins, in addition to victories over Florida State (16-7, 6-3) on Feb.?23, at North Carolina (17-6, 7-2) on Feb. 27 and at Miami (15-9, 4-6) on March 2 could take the Terps a long way.
Maryland goes to Boston College with a more settled lineup than the last time the teams met. Freshman Pe’Shon Howard has temporarily stabilized the point guard slot. Since taking over as starter two games ago, Howard has produced 20 points and 14 assists
The freshman who Howard replaced in the startling lineup, Terrell Stoglin, also has thrived from the change. Coming off the bench, Stoglin has produced 20 points and nine assists.
“That’s when you have your best team, when guys are feeling comfortable and playing to their skill level,” Williams said. “A lot of times a point guard has to be the guy who sacrifices early in the game.”
Maryland also has received a lift from another freshman, 6-foot-6 Haukur Palsson, who has hit 9 of 13 shots in the last two games, scoring 22 points in 31 minutes.
“His personality helps us,” Williams said. “Number one: He’s not afraid.”
In the stretch run, Williams believes his freshmen could be the difference between losses in January and wins in February.
“I think we’re a better team,” Williams said. “Our freshmen have gotten into big games and produced.”
