First of three tough games tonight at No. 13 Clemson
Rankled by the harshest scrutiny it has received in coach Gary Williams’ 20 seasons, the Maryland basketball team has taken on a bunker mentality. It seems to be working.
Last week’s victories at Georgia Tech and at home over Virginia Tech were testament to Williams’ ability to close ranks and circle the wagons.
“That’s our family. You don’t really listen to what’s going on on the outside,” said senior forward Dave Neal. “The past couple days and weeks, there’s been stuff in the papers that we can’t really let us affect us. We have to stay focused. We’re out here to win basketball games. The team we have is the team we’re gonna have all season.”
Maryland (16-8, 5-5) has not only quieted the critics. The Terps have revived talk of an NCAA berth. Many believe it will take eight wins in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Maryland at ClemsonWhen » Tuesday, 8TV/Radio » ESPN2/106.7 FM» Clemson tries to rebound from an 85-81 overtime loss Sunday at Virginia. Junior F Trevor Booker leads the Tigers in scoring (15.2 points per game), rebounds (8.9 pg), and blocks (2.3 pg). Guards K.C. Rivers (14.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and Terrence Oglesby (13.5 ppg) set the pace.
“I’m not Joe Lunardi or anything,” said Neal referring to an ESPN analyst. “I think they’re gonna have to take eight teams because of how competitive the conference is this year. I don’t see any reason why .500 would not get you in the tournament.”
The road is difficult, starting at No. 13 Clemson (20-4, 6-4) tonight, followed by home games against No. 3 North Carolina (Saturday) and No. 9 Duke (Feb. 25).
“[Clemson] is as tough as any place to play in the league now,” said Williams. “They don’t care who they play, they’re going to press as part of their defensive strategy. We have to be ready.”
Win or lose, Williams will be ready to use those “outside forces,” to pull his team together for the stretch run.
“The key to surviving in this business, the longevity, is to be able to do what you’re supposed to do and not let outside things take you away from your mission,” said Williams. “I want to coach my team every year. I want to see how good we can get.”
