Terps take on Pack

It's another huge game for the Maryland Terrapins tonight as they take on North Carolina State (4-4 ACC). Much like the Terps, NC State had some comically bad early season losses (East Carolina and New Orleans). They have managed to win three out of four to get back to .500 in conference play despite struggling early and struggling on the road. So how about a preview...

Backcourt - Eric Hayes and Greivis Vasquez vs Javier Gonzalez and Gavin Grant. Hayes and Vasquez will key the Maryland attack and split ballhandling duties which they've done very effectively in ACC play. The duo ranks 1-2 in the conference in assists in league play while averaging double digits in scoring. Grant will be one of the keys for State as he can score inside or outside while also getting to the line. The big weakness in the NCST starting five will be at the point as freshman Javier Gonzalez has struggled this season both as a ballhandler and as a scorer. Vasquez and Hayes should abuse Gonzalez on both ends of the floor.

Frontcourt - Landon Milbourne, James Gist, and BOOM Osby vs Courtney Fells, Brandon Costner and JJ Hickson. Gist and Osby have been excellent since the start of ACC play, both playing at an all-conference level. Milbourne has also emerged as a scoring option in the past month, particularly from behind the arc. Fells, a former highly touted recruit, has become a solid third scoring option while freshman JJ Hickson has been the best newcomer in the ACC this year. Costner is questionable to play tonight, which may be a good thing for the Pack as he has been awful after a very good 2007 season. Both teams should play very good post defense.

Bench - Neither team has a strong bench. Ben McCauley did have a good game for the Pack against Wake Forest (including a game winner at the buzzer) but he may be forced to start with Costner out. After that, Dennis Horner, Marques Johnson and Tracy Smith should see minutes though all are unproven at best. The Terps will likely play Adrian Bowie, Cliff Tucker, and Dave Neal as its top three off of the bench. All have played well at times though none have shown the consistency to instill confidence in Gary Williams.

Coaching - Sid Lowe vs Gary Williams. One has six hundred wins, the other is terrible.

What To Watch For - Can the NC State big men get Gist and Osby in foul trouble? The Pack is excellent at getting to the line and the Terps' shot blocking style could lead to fouls if they aren't careful. Can the Wolfpack contain the Terps suddenly surging offense? Their last game notwithstanding, NC State has been unable to defend nearly every team they've faced in the ACC.