Maryland was just on a mission that year. Went through some blue blooded programs. I remember running home (car) with sister to watch this game. So many did not know what Maryland's desire was that year. Maryland was still stinging from the F4 loss to Duke the year before.
IU Fan here. And yes I agree 100%. I knew heading into that F4 that IU had a 30% chance to beat OU but zero chance to beat Maryland. They were on a mission like you pointed out from the season before. I was very happy for Maryland when they beat my Hoosiers. Not mad whatsoever.
@@barryprice4202 Yep, we knew this was the start of any serious games. We were at Happy Hour, but my sister and I drove back to my house to prep for this game as family wrapped up food and tab at Happy Hour and then followed us so whole family could watch together. I think, on Maryland's side, they really won the National Title when they beat UConn. That was the most nerve wracking game for us the whole tournament. When they dismantled Kansas, a number No 1 seed (the final score was deceiving, UMD was up by 20-22 with 6 minutes to go). Though UMD had lost to OK at the beginning of the season....they were just clicking too much by this game.
@@barryprice4202 These guys were gym rats. You hear that a lot, but usually it is not top to bottom. They didn't got out partying (my younger sister was student there at the time)...you didn't see any of these guys at parties or bars. They were usually at the gym all night. Juan Dixon's idea of a date was going to Cole and shooting free throws as she threw the ball back. The opposite of those that came after, she said she caught many of them out and partying. But not this squad. They just wanted it. It was just a great mixture of talent, and senior leadership. Everyone knew their role, no prima donnas.
rick pitino has me saying these team histories are still ranked in this exact order #1 celtics #2 knicks and #3 kentucky and legend sums up larry bird and even more so bill russell
Funny though, how close the score was...i never had a doubt. The UConn game later...that had my shorts in a bunch. KY, just did not seem disciplined, and never in control, Maryland did. The UCONN game...UConn team...they were really in contrast. They looked very in control...but UMD survived. As many say..that was the real title game of that tournament.
I would agree with that - if Blake hadn't hit that 3 at the shot clock in the final minute against UConn that game could have easily ended up in OT or they could have lost. This game and the Kansas game were competitive but the Terps were never really in any danger of losing either one late.
Maryland was just on a mission that year. Went through some blue blooded programs. I remember running home (car) with sister to watch this game. So many did not know what Maryland's desire was that year. Maryland was still stinging from the F4 loss to Duke the year before.
IU Fan here. And yes I agree 100%. I knew heading into that F4 that IU had a 30% chance to beat OU but zero chance to beat Maryland. They were on a mission like you pointed out from the season before. I was very happy for Maryland when they beat my Hoosiers. Not mad whatsoever.
@@barryprice4202 Yep, we knew this was the start of any serious games. We were at Happy Hour, but my sister and I drove back to my house to prep for this game as family wrapped up food and tab at Happy Hour and then followed us so whole family could watch together. I think, on Maryland's side, they really won the National Title when they beat UConn. That was the most nerve wracking game for us the whole tournament. When they dismantled Kansas, a number No 1 seed (the final score was deceiving, UMD was up by 20-22 with 6 minutes to go). Though UMD had lost to OK at the beginning of the season....they were just clicking too much by this game.
I agree! Mouton was the MVP on that team behind the other Big 4 so to speak. Sounds silly, but every team needs a senior Mouton.
@@barryprice4202 These guys were gym rats. You hear that a lot, but usually it is not top to bottom. They didn't got out partying (my younger sister was student there at the time)...you didn't see any of these guys at parties or bars. They were usually at the gym all night. Juan Dixon's idea of a date was going to Cole and shooting free throws as she threw the ball back.
The opposite of those that came after, she said she caught many of them out and partying. But not this squad. They just wanted it. It was just a great mixture of talent, and senior leadership. Everyone knew their role, no prima donnas.
rick pitino has me saying these team histories are still ranked in this exact order #1 celtics #2 knicks and #3 kentucky and legend sums up larry bird and even more so bill russell
Funny though, how close the score was...i never had a doubt. The UConn game later...that had my shorts in a bunch.
KY, just did not seem disciplined, and never in control, Maryland did.
The UCONN game...UConn team...they were really in contrast. They looked very in control...but UMD survived. As many say..that was the real title game of that tournament.
I would agree with that - if Blake hadn't hit that 3 at the shot clock in the final minute against UConn that game could have easily ended up in OT or they could have lost. This game and the Kansas game were competitive but the Terps were never really in any danger of losing either one late.
@@walterlv01 WIll never forget Billy Packer saying in the UConn game "this is the most zone I have seen a Gary Williams team play in some time.
❤
Terrapin thunder
Far from a vintage UK team, but they gave Maryland a good effort.