The loss to Miami hurt so bad, Maryland freshman guard Greivis Vasquez lost sleep and could barely show his face in class the next day.
“I couldn’t talk to my teacher — he’s a big fan — I couldn’t talk to my classmates,” Vasquez said. “I was really guilty about the loss.”
Consider his mood changed.
The Terrapins rebounded mightily from the Miami debacle, knocking Clemson off its undefeated perch Saturday while avoiding a dreaded 0-3 start in Atlantic Coast Conference play. It was arguably their most complete performance of the season.
In fact, Maryland (15-3, 1-2 ACC) was so good against the Tigers, the bar of expectations has been reset at a higher elevation — much higher, if you listen to the players.
“I think it’s more of knowing that we actually have a chance of winning this year,” said senior forward James Gist. “We actually have a chance to go the championship round and win the national championship.”
Against Clemson, senior forward Ekene Ibekwe (20 points, 10 rebounds) had his fourth — and most important — double-double this season while avoiding foul trouble. He also had two assists that led to easy scores inside for Gist.
“When Ekene is making that extra pass when he gets into the post, he’s so much more of an effective player because he draws so much attention,” said senior center Will Bowers.
Maryland benefited from Clemson’s use of a pressure defense identical to its own. TheTerrapins executed in transition like it was practice.
The team’s lofty standard won’t be easy to maintain. They are facing a difficult stretch that includes four of five games away from Comcast Center.
