Steve Davis: Terps Need Quick Turnaround
It was just a month ago that Maryland was number 2 in the country; in fact, in the AP writers poll, they got the same exact number of votes to be number 1 as Villanova. In other words, they were, in some people's minds, the best team in the country. Since then, things have gone south, in a big way. Maryland has lost 4 of their 6 games in the Big Ten and have looked like a completely different team. They turn it over, take bad shots, don't box out, etc. They don't play like a great team.
What happened? I don't know, but whatever it was, it wasn't good, and needs to change. Maryland seems to have, I'm not saying they have, but it looks like they aren't listening to their coach. After each of the last two losses, Mark Turgeon has questioned his players. After the Purdue loss, it was for not rebounding and after the Indiana defeat, he questioned their toughness. A season that once looked so promising is on the rocks. Their first game in the Big Ten tournament is Friday, probably against Wisconsin. They split vs. Wisconsin, so maybe they win that one. The next game would likely be against Michigan State. The Spartans truly like one of the best, if not the best, team in college basketball. Unless the Terps rediscover the way they were planning, it's hard to be confident they can win that game. Then it's off to the NCAA tournament, and barring a return to form, they don't even look like a Sweet 16 team right now.
Count me among those who are stunned by the Terps about face from just a month ago.