The Maryland Terrapins would have probably been disappointed with a five-seed to start the year, but it is time to forget about the past and do your best and surviving and advancing. Seeding clearly does not matter in March as the No. 2 Michigan State Spartans lost to No. 15 Middle Tennessee in embarrassing fashion. Mark Turgeon said prior to the game that if the Terps lose it will not be because they overlooked the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
The Terrapins came out ready to play in the first half by shutting down the Jackrabbits on the defensive end. With an 18 point lead with 8:49 to play, it looked like Maryland would easily survive the 5-12 upset scare that had already claimed Baylor and Purdue yesterday. But in typical fashion the NBA talented squad was unable to put their foot on South Dakota State’s throats and allowed them a chance to force the game into overtime. A end of game turnover saved the Terps in the first round of the NCAA tournament, again, as Maryland advances with a 79-74 victory.