national invitation tournament

Maryland's guards struggle hitting shots early, Alabama dominates on boards

James Padgett played sparingly his first two seasons at Maryland, but he seems more comfortable playing for new coach Mark Turgeon than he did for former coach Gary Williams.

A tradition that began at the University of Maryland 40 years ago and eventually became known as Midnight Madness will take place across the country Friday.

Local coach joins Towson staff

Less than 48 hours after the Terps were snubbed by the NIT selection committee, Maryland coach Gary Williams essentially guaranteed that the Terps would be back in the NCAA tournament next season.

Jake Arrieta was pleased with his command in the Orioles' 8-2 win over the Pirates on Monday even though he allowed eight hits in four innings. ... The Orioles' spring training MASH unit had a busy day. ... Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski is scheduled to fight two more bouts in a span of two weeks in Atlantic City. ... Their season unexpectedly over, the Terps turn their attention to next year. ... "Terps" could give way to "Maryland" on new football uniforms.

Maryland didn't receive an NIT bid, meaning the Terps won't appear in a postseason game for the first time since 1993. ... The Tigers rocked Brian Matusz and the Orioles' bullpen Sunday, pounding out 17 hits en route to a 9-1 victory. ... Hip soreness casts Justin Duchscherer's regular-season readiness into further doubt. ... The NFL lockout could send economic and emotional ripples throughout the area, from players to fans to business owners.

Maryland loses to Duke, 87-71, in ACC tournament quarterfinal

The Terps are closer to the NIT bubble than the NCAA bubble, and unless they win four in a row this weekend, they will likely be making their fourth NIT apperance in seven years. If you ask former CBS analyst Billy Packer, the recent track record of Maryland coach Gary Williams is unacceptable.

Top pitching prospect Zach Britton threw three shutout innings Monday night as the Orioles and Yankees played to a scoreless tie. ... The Orioles relaxed their facial hair policy. ... Maryland sophomore center Jordan Williams was selected to the ACC's first team. ... Willis McGahee's agent expects the Ravens to trade or release the veteran running back. ... Sergio Kindle's court case for driving under the influence has been postponed. ... Alex Ovechkin scored in a shootout to give the first-place Capitals a 2-1 victory over Lightning. ... His contract up, Towson men's basketball coach Pat Kennedy stepped down.

The Terps had plenty of fight left in them Sunday night, but they had no answer for the Tar Heels' size and length. North Carolina had 19 offensive rebounds, Tyler Zeller poured in many of 25 points in the paint and John Henson blocked seven shots in a 87-76 win.