Maryland's Bambale Osby (50) grabs one of his career-high 15 rebounds over Duke's Kyle Singler in the second half. ROB CARR/ASSOCIATED PRESS Visit the Photo Place

Improving Terrapins find next step hardto ascend

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STEVE DeSHAZO:

Date published: 1/28/2008

By Steve DeShazo

COLLEGE PARK, Md.--A week ago, they were bubbly. Now, the Maryland Terrapins are bubbling. As in, on the NCAA tournament bubble--their annual late-January status.

There was absolutely no shame in last night's 93-84 home loss to fourth-ranked Duke--just lingering wistfulness about what could have been and a lesson in handling prosperity.

"I don't think we played well enough," senior James Gist said in a quiet Comcast Center locker room. "This game was ours to win. We know what we're capable of. We played a top team tonight, and we've got to want it every night. That's the difference between top teams and us."

Well-rested and well-regarded after last Saturday's stunning road victory at then-No. 1 North Carolina, the Terrapins looked ready to add Duke to their hit list. Maryland thoroughly outplayed the Blue Devils in a raucous first half and took a 51-42 lead into the break.

But a team that seems to thrive on overcoming adversity still hasn't learned to play from ahead.

Turnovers on their first three possessions of the second half, though, resulted in three straight Duke baskets--and the game was on. From there, Duke's superior will, combined with Maryland's occasional sloppy ball-handling and free-throw shooting, made the difference.

"That's where we want to be," coach Gary Williams said, referring to the Blue Devils. "We don't want to say, 'Gee, we played really good against two top-five teams.' We're fighting to get back there. We were there for a long time. Now, we're fighting to get back to that level."

Few thought the young Terps were anywhere near that caliber after consecutive home losses to Ohio University and American in December. But they've shown remarkable resiliency and grit, winning six of their previous seven before last night.

Gist's play began reflecting his all-ACC talent. Steady point guard Eric Hayes is back from a high ankle sprain that caused him to miss three games, providing some balance to the mercurial Greivis Vasquez. And bruising Bambale Osby emerged as a complement to Gist inside--providing a power game that gave the undersized Blue Devils fits for a half.

Date published: 1/28/2008