Maryland upsets rival Duke

The University of Maryland men's basketball team has all but ensured a bid to the NCAA tournament for the 12th year in a row as they defeated both Virginia Tech and Duke this week. With the Terrapins upset 99-92 OT victory over seventh-ranked Duke, Maryland swept the Blue Devils in the regular season for the first time since the 1994-95 season.

Maryland's season had taken a downturn after losing to Clemson and Miami, but with their two recent victories they have improved their record to 15-7 overall and 6-5 in the ACC. The two victories over Duke will be valuable victories on their NCAA tournament resume.

The Terrapins came out with intensity and poise against Duke as a well-rounded offense spurred them to victory. Six Terrapins scored in double figures, with John Gilchrist leading the way with 19 points, ten rebounds and nine assists. The trio of J.J Reddick, Shelden Williams and Daniel Ewing led Duke combining for 67 points, however Duke was plagued with foul trouble as five players fouled out of the game.

Maryland began the game hot and was able to keep the game close. Midway through the second half Maryland was down by nine, but with the contributions of several baskets by Mike Jones they went on an 8-0 run. In the end Maryland was able to convert on key plays including Ekene Ibekwe's three point play, while shutting down the dangerous Duke offense, to give Maryland a two point lead with 35 seconds left in the game.

Gilchrist missed a last second shot in regulation but the rebound went to Caner-Medley who just missed a fade-away jumper. In overtime, Maryland dominated as the depleted Duke squad struggled to rebound and score.

Against Virginia Tech on Feb. 8 the Terrapins went down early, but responded with an 11-0 run late in the half. The Terrapins went into the half with a 12-point lead. However, Virginia Tech would open the second half with an 8-0 run, reducing the lead to four. The Terrapins responded and wound up winning the game comfortably 86-71. Both Nick Caner-Medley and Gilchrist had strong offensive performances combining for 40 points.

Maryland has proven that they can beat the elite teams in the nation. However, they have shown weaknesses and a lack of consistency as they lost to Clemson on Feb. 1, bottom-feeder in the ACC. If Maryland can keep up the momentum in their last few regular season games they will go into the ACC and probably NCAA tournament on fire and peaking at the right time of the season.

The Terrapins travel to NC State tonight, Feb. 16. Tip-off is at 9:00 p.m. and will be aired on UPN channel 20.