Bob Haynie: Terps Behind Last Year's Pace
The Maryland Terrapins lost a tough one to the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday at Mackey Arena. The Terps used a 12-2 run late in the second half to erase a 10-point deficit and tie the game at 76. Unfortunately, for coach Mark Turgeon and his troops, the Boilermakers were able to finish deal and secure the 83-79 victory.
Winning the Big Ten regular season crown was one of the many goals the Terps had set for themselves prior to the 2015-16 campaign. Saturday's loss, for all intents and purposes, ended those hopes.
Expectations were high for Maryland this season. They've been ranked in the Top Ten all year ( That may change this week) and are still considered to be one the many teams with a realistic chance of getting to the Final Four.
However, through 29 games, the Terps are actually a step behind what they accomplished last season. Nothing to be ashamed of, of course. But they could still be viewed as underachievers given the lofty preseason accolades.
Right now, Maryland is 23-6 overall and 11-5 in the Big Ten. Last season, through 29 games, they were 24-5 overall and 12-4 in the league.
The 2014-15 record was impressive because not many experts expected the Terps to challenge for Big Ten honors. They made it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010 and advanced to the Round of 32.
This season's team was favored to win the Big Ten and make a deep run in March. And yes, they can still win the Big Ten tourney and make that run in the Big Dance that I and many others felt they could make.
To make that happen, Maryland has to improve on the glass, value the basketball and improve what has recently become a leaky defense.
Can they do it? I think they are capable.
Will they do it? I have no clue. We'll find out soon enough.