Look Out for the Maryland Terrapins During March Madness

The Maryland Terrapins are ranked No. 14 in the nation, but this week defeated the then No. 4 ranked Wisconsin Badgers 59-53. Maryland is now 23-5 on the season and 11-4 in the Big 10. The Terrapins have had to prove doubters wrong all season and although they have not always looked pretty in their success this season, the team has put together a number of elite wins and just a few losses.

After four straight seasons of not reaching the NCAA tournament, it appears this year’s squad will be a high seed when the event starts in March.

Nevertheless, the Terrapins are not an easy team to figure out. Over the past couple of weeks, Maryland has had a number of wins that were close against opponents who were inferior, while the losses have been blowouts.

With the way college basketball is this Maryland team could be eliminated in the first round or reach the Final Four.

Taking the bad first, the defense for the Terrapins has not always played as well as it did Tuesday holding Wisconsin to just 53 points. Both Iowa and Ohio State had great shooting percentages against the Terrapins, while teams such has Nebraska, Northwestern and Penn State had successful games shooting from 3-point land versus Maryland.

The Terrapins are ranked No. 11 in the Big Ten in defense against the 3-point shot allowing opponents to hit 35% of their shots.

Maryland on the other hand, has had players, such as Michal Cekovsky the little used freshman come off the bench and play outstanding when called upon.

He may have scored just 4 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, but his on-ball defense versus one of the country’s best big men, Frank Kaminsky caused the Badgers’ center fits.

The center from Slovakia is quite raw but is capable of playing well and that was proved with his strong 24 minutes against Wisconsin at a very important time.

The interior defense has been inconsistent with Davonne Dodd not playing up to his potential every game. This is where Cekovsky can come up big for the Terrapins.

If the Terrapins can play more consistently regardless of their opponent, then Maryland could take a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. In games decided by 6 or fewer points this season, the Terrapins are 9-0. That says they are poised under pressure and come up big with the game on the line. That starts with Melo Trimble at point guard, as he is fearless taking a last second shot or sinking a last second free throw.

I see the Terps reaching the Sweet Sixteen and after that, it all depends upon matchups.