Tucker's Miracle in College Park, 2/20

What more can I say besides “WOW!” The Terps just wouldn’t be beaten on Saturday against GA Tech, and despite getting crushed by offensive rebounds, in particular by Derrick Favors, the Terps figured out a way to win. That to me is a great sign for this team moving into March Now I know it should never have come down to this, but it did, and it happens to even the best teams in D-1 ball. Hayes made some huge shots and GV made some great passes, but aside from the game winning shot by Tucker, I thought the defining moment was when Jordan Williams had the ball stripped out of his hands on an offensive rebound with about 3 minutes left in the game (or less), then dove for the ball as it was heading towards the sideline AND the arms of a Tech player to get control of it. I think he was fouled but either way, we got the ball back and it was a pure hustle play that you don’t typically see a 6’10” 260 lb player make. He simply wanted the ball more than the Tech player, and you just can’t have enough players with that kind of mentality. The kid continues to impress me and I am starting to wonder whether he will be around for 3 or 4 years. It’s looking less and less likely as his development has been quicker than I imagined.

The bench seems to be getting more playing time for a variety of reasons, but it can’t do anything but help this team as the season continues. Guys are tired as the regular season comes to a close, so a productive bench becomes even more important now. I really like this team, and hope that we can get a win tomorrow night against Clemson and have a chance for another win down in Blacksburg on Saturday. That to me will be the toughest game left on the schedule b/c, call me crazy, but I really believe that senior night against Duke on March 3rd will be a big victory for the Terps. I’m looking forward to the final weeks of the season and then of course being in Vegas for the start of the Spiders and Terps runs to the Final Four! Go Terps! Go Spiders! Web ‘Em!!!!