It takes a big man to admit when he's screwed up. But Maryland's senior swingman Cliff Tucker did exactly that Wednesday when he copped to brooding about his lack of playing time this season.

"I'm not going to lie," Tucker told reporters in Greensboro, N.C., where the Terps were getting ready for their first-round game against N.C. State in the ACC Tournament. "I kind of got back to my old pouting, and that hurt my game.

"When I come out of a game, I can't get upset," he said. "I can't play if I'm thinking 'Is the coach going to take me out?' or 'Am I going to start?'"

When's the last time you heard that kind of candor from a college basketball player?

 I give the kid credit. Especially with his remarks coming before a big, important tournament in which the Terps are trying desperately to salvage some measure of pride before they're relegated to the post-season hell that is the NIT.

Tucker has been just plain ineffective in the last three Maryland losses, averaging five points and 17 minutes. And the truth is that, despite occasional flashes of solid play, he's struggled with his shooting and defense throughout much of the season.

"I'm just trying to get back to my old self," Tucker said. "I've been struggling the last month or so. This could be my break-out tournament."

The Terps could really use a break-out performance from him tonight. And it would be nice to see Tucker, who's a good kid, end his Maryland career on a roll.