Welcome to Spokane, the land that time forgot. The Terps have been waiting and watching other NCAA first-round games. They even went bowling (no joke).
But finally, it's almost time for Maryland to play in the tournament. The first round has been going on for so long that it feels like the Terps are in Round 1B. I'm hoping -- along with other media -- that there is no overtime in the earlier Michigan State-New Mexico State game that pushes the Terps' game near or past our deadline for print. We will have full online coverage, no matter what.
If Michigan State and New Mexico State are tied after regulation, Terps fans everywhere would probably be happy if they just flipped a coin to determine the outcome.
My sense -- and this is just a hunch -- is that Maryland is going to get better as its game with Houston progresses. After all that waiting, it can take time to find your comfort zone, your rhythm. Remember that the Terps won't have played for a full week. After they settle down, I see Maryland's experience in tournament games being a decisive factor.