Maryland vs. Memphis: You Know the Drill

I was thinking about doing a long, elaborate post on how it is not likely, but that Maryland can beat Memphis in round two. 

But ... you knew that. And you know exactly as I do how it's going to happen. Or how it won't happen. 

I'm here to tell you right now that Maryland's second half against California should be considered nothing less than what it was, and that is a thing of beauty. They were running and gunning, and executing their press to perfection. The Greivis Vasquez (pictured, left) show was in full effect, and Dave Neal was proving all the doubters - once again - that they're all completely wrong. 

And that's how Maryland can beat Memphis tomorrow. 

When Maryland does what it can do, there is not a single team in America that will consistently be able to beat them. Here's a short list of what that is:

1. Get to the line, and when there, make the free throw (the 67% against Cal has to improve). 

2. Greivis Vasquez is a star, and he needs to put up 25+, 6+, and 6+. He can. Wheeling and dealing into the lane, he opens up shots for his teammates as well as anyone in the country. When his three point shot is falling, he is impossible to guard. 

3. Landon Milbourne can't force his game. Landon needs to be happy taking his shot when he gets a good look, which has been rare of late. Because of this, he has had to overcompensate and take contested shots that often end up blocked. When it's there, take the shot. When it's not, get it out of there.

4. Adrian Bowie and Sean Mosley just need to make their lay-ups. That's all they need to do, because their defense is spectacular. 

5. Dave Neal needs to hit the pick-and-pop. It's his greatest asset to the team, and if he can't step outside and drill the open J, Dino Gregory should be in. 

6. Eric Hayes needs to play with confidence. I'm not saying anything about making his shots, because I think there's a direct correlation. Hayes has shown over the past week that he's a different, smarter, more confident player coming off the bench. He's a quiet leader on this team. 

... That's it. Yeah, I just listed six things, but which one of those is unrealistic? None. I'm telling you, because of the way Maryland rebounds as a unit, particularly in their zone, they can hold their own on the backboard. The players just need to mesh together.

So I ended up doing the long post I promised not to. Bottom line: if the players play like they can play, I do not think for one second that Memphis will trounce Maryland. If Hayes plays scared, Vasquez plays out-of-control, and Milbourne plays frustrated, though, it will be a long day. Time will tell. Go Terps. 

(Photo Credit: AP)