If ever there were an aversion to a letdown after upsetting the nation?s top-ranked squad, it?s a home game against a team?s fiercest rival.
After defeating No. 5 North Carolina (18-1 overall, 3-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) this past Saturday, Maryland coach Gary Williams hopes his team continues its strong play against No. 4 Duke (15-1, 3-1) on Sunday night at 6:30 at Comcast Center.
“We have to do a good job with our team this week, and the players have to do a good job with keeping things in perspective,” he said. “With Duke coming up, that should be a pretty easy thing to do.”
Maryland (12-7, 2-2) has won two straight conference games and defeated Duke twice last season. The Terrapins trail the all-time series, 60-101, but are 4-2 against the Blue Devils at Comcast Center.
Williams wants his team to enjoy its first victory over the Tar Heels as the nation?s top-ranked team in Smith Center since 1986, but he also wants the Terrapins to keep their biggest win in recent memory in perspective.
“I want them to be excited, because they worked very hard to get where we were and be competitive,” he said. “We weren?t that kind of team about three weeks ago. I want them to understand why they won that game ? their work ethic and so forth.”
Maryland?s win was a topic of great discussion in this week?s media teleconference with ACC coaches ? many of whom believe the Terrapins? victory over the Tar Heels has no bearing on what will happen on Sunday.
“The momentum from the previous game usually goes away after the firsthalf or the first ten minutes of the next game,” Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt said. “Each game has its own tempo.”
Williams, who is three wins away from 600, understands the week between two rivalry games could prove detrimental.
“We?ve already met with the team, and what you have to guard against is all the people telling the players how good they are,” he said. “You have to keep things in perspective.”
