Terps Fans Getting Pumped For Start Of March Madness
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ) -- Get your brackets ready. We are just days away from the start of March Madness. In College Park, excitement is surrounding both the men's and women's basketball teams.
Meghan McCorkell has more as fans get pumped up.
We know who the teams are playing in the first round and where those games will take place.
Cheers all around as the Terps women's basketball team take their spot in the NCAA Tournament.
"Experience has really helped us, and now we're looking forward to getting started," said Terps head coach Brenda Frese.
After back to back trips to the Final Four, the two seed Terps face Iona in the first round.
"We've been working hard all season for moments like this," said Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Terps guard.
The Big Ten champs start the tournament on their own court.
"We have the best fans in the country, so to be able to play in front of them is a dream come true, honestly," said Brene Moseley, Terps guard.
And while the women's team will have the home court advantage in College Park, the men's team is heading far from home.
With a number five seed, the Terps travel to Spokane, Washington to face South Dakota State Friday.
"It's a long plane ride, but like I said, we're just happy for the opportunity," said Rasheed Sulaimon, Terps guard.
They say they're ready for the big dance.
"We've been shooting for this all year, guys. This is what we've been shooting for. So we're excited and looking forward to it," said Mark Turgeon, Terps head coach.
Fans of both teams tell WJZ they feel like they're a part of the magic.
"They're wonderful. They're like a family," said Barbara Ricciardi, Terps fan.
"Talk to the girls. They're always like, 'It's family, it's not just a team,'" said Pat Ruggiero, Terps fan.
With her two young sons, for Coach Brenda Frese, it really is a family affair.
"It's pretty cool as a basketball family to be able to have them every step of the way," she said.
And she hopes there are many more steps to come.
The Maryland women start their run for the Final Four this Saturday in College Park.
The men's team takes on South Dakota State this Friday.
