Maryland Terrapins - NCAA Basketball Betting

Since winning their first NCAA men's basketball title in 2002, the Maryland Terrapins have had their share of troubles.

Two straight tournament misses, two straight NIT bids, and a stomach-turning end to last season had the faithful up in arms. Last season was marked by off-court distractions, a 5-9 finish, and a first-round loss to Manhattan in the NIT (in College Park, no less), which had to leave an absolutely terrible taste in the Terps' collective mouths.

But head coach Gary Williams, in his 18th season at Maryland, had to be glad to be rid of four seniors (none of whom graduated) who provided points and rebounds but also caused headaches. Coming into this season, the Terps were picked to finish anywhere from fifth to ninth in the ACC.

Maryland returned four players who started at least 17 games last season. But despite a good start, for a while it looked like the Terps were going to miss out on the NCAA tournament again this season. Maryland went 13-2 during the non-conference part of its schedule, which included wins over Michigan State and Illinois. But a 2-5 start to the ACC slate brought on memories of last year’s late-season swoon.

The Terps gathered themselves, though, and made a nice run to cap off the season and earn an invitation to the Big Dance.

The Terrapins have talent. Guard D.J. Strawberry led the team in scoring this season and is one of the best defensive stoppers in the ACC. Six-nine forward Ekene Ibekwe, the team's tallest regular, leads the team on the boards and has seen his efforts to improve his shot pay off.

Guard Mike Jones is Maryland's best long-range threat, but questions persist about his ability at the other end of the court. Freshman guard Greivis Vasquez shot his way into the starting lineup and contributed nicely in several other aspects of the game. And 6-8 junior forward James Gist, after a couple of seasons plagued by inconsistency, is playing up to expectations, and combines with Ibekwe to create a very athletic frontcourt.

Last season the Terrapins ranked dead last in the ACC in defense, but they've improved considerably, at least statistically, on that end this season.

This team isn't a world beater, and they could fall in the first round of the tournament. A Sweet 16 berth would be considered a great success, considering the last couple of seasons.

D.J. Strawberry – Leading scorer, great defender, emotional leader.

Ekene Ibekwe – Leading rebounder who has improved his shot.

James Gist – Junior forward playing up to expectations.

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