Kevin,
You might remember that Towson U beat the Maryland women a couple of weeks ago, TU is also a member of the CAA.

You, as well as Williams, hit the nail on the head regarding last night's game. Put simply, you are correct that if Maryland had simply shot the ball better from outside--I can't even begin to count the numbre of wide-open 3's they missed--the Terps would have won the game despite their other multiple failings. From WIlliams' standpoint, he is right that the game was surely lost between the 11:00 - 3:00 time frame of the 2nd half when the Terps simply lost their composure and watched the Tribe extend a managable 8 point deficit to an overwhelming 16 point gap.

What I found particularly disturbing, however, was Maryland's overall apparent lack of hustle and intensity--which leads to the recurring lack of rebounding theme so prevalent this season. These are characteristics which most of Williams' former coached teams generally possessed and consistently demonstrated. And, as they were to those usually out-talented teams, such qualities are vital to this year's not overly talented team as well. Kicking up the intensity over the last 3:00 of the game after the first 37:00 of generally lethargic play is insufficient when playing a quality team, which William & Mary has proven itself to be this year. Likewise, to do so does not, in my opinion, reflect a "never say die" attitude in the team. Shooting will come and go, but you can stay in games by not turning the ball over, playing tough defense and outhustling the opposition. Overcoming these 3 demons has been rare for this team so far this season.

Without attempting to turn this entry into a blast against Williams' recruiting approach, I believe It is fine for Williams to mine those kids he believes will fit into his program--a wonderfully successful one over the years. That is, he can certainly to go after as many lower "rated" kids with high basketball IQ's, proverbial "chips on their shoulders" and with corresponding work ethics to match (translated: neverending hustle) as he desires. However, it is not acceptable to recruit such players in an ACC program such as the Terps' if they are not willing to or cannot meet those simple expectations and provide a consistent effort on those fronts.

Finally, with that said and an understanding that Maryland, had it simply played to its capability would have won the game last night, everyone must understand that the college game has changed quite a bit over the past 10 years. Specifically, there is far greater parity between programs than ever before (just look at Duke's recurring NCAA tournament failures since its last championship despite its perennial top-5 recruiting classes). The attention being paid to "mid-majors" these days is well warranted. No longer are wins by such programs viewed as significant upsets.

That was as bad as the loss to American a few years ago. I have had it with people telling me how great Greivas is - I'm not buying it. I have sat at the Comcast Center and watched him night in night out throw up threes and do that ridiculous hop skip jump karate kick contortion he does when he forces up a brick. Yes - he makes some but if anybody with a pulse took as many shots in a game as Greivas, they would score alot too. The fact that he thought he should be playing pro ball this year is laughable - he can't even lead his team to a win against Wiliam and Mary. He needs to settle it down and lead this team or he needs to sit. I feel sorry for Mosley - that kid gives 110% while the others watch.

One question for Gary - if the fullcourt press is not successful for the first 40 minutes - why do you keep doing it? They broke the press EVERY time and got a three or a layup from it. We have talent but something isn't working.

I was one of the 16,418 at the game last night, and I have followed Maryland basketball since the mid-70's. This was one of the worst performances by a Terp team that I can remember. I'm not taking anything away from a well-organized, hard working William and Mary. They were very impressive. But for Maryland to capitulate with so little fight or energy or pride was quite shocking to me. Gary's teams just don't do this. This current squad of players is just not playing like a TEAM this year. What's confounding about this is this is that the same group of players that pulled together so nicely last year, under Dave Neal's gritty leadership.
With Neal gone, there is a noticeable leadership void. The three senior co-captains are not leading this team. Maryland seems rudderless at the moment. Unless this changes, things are going to get ugly when the Terps face the ACC. Can you say NIT boys and girls?

Gary's head exploding would not be the worst thing that could happen to the Terps. It would get us moving towards a new coach who actually likes to recruit and realizes that the 3-point shot is part of the game now.

I haven't watched the Terps play this season ever since I heard Grevis V. would be back for another season. Grevis is a talented basketball player who is self-centered and a mental drain on the team. He hasn't learned anything about team play since he arrived at College Park, and Gary has been unable or unwilling to teach him.