Maryland vs. Bryant University

Discussion Policy
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Saturday, December 27, 2008; Page E06

When: 2 p.m. Where: Comcast Center. Records: Terrapins 8-2; Bulldogs 1-9. Radio: WJZ (105.7 FM, 1300 AM), WJFK (106.7 FM), WFMD (930 AM), WPTX (1690 AM)

FAMILIAR FOE: Bryant University may be in its first season as a division I-A program, but its coach has plenty of experience taking on high-level opponents. Prior to taking over the Bulldogs, Tim O'Shea spent seven seasons in charge at Ohio University, which defeated the Terrapins, 61-55, last season. "Last year, I had a pretty good year at Ohio," O'Shea said. "You know, we came in there and played well and were very fortunate to come away with a win. I'm not coming in with the same type of team this year, but I look forward to playing against Coach [Gary] Williams." O'Shea played for Williams at Boston College from 1982 to '84 and served as a graduate assistant with the Eagles in 1985.

STUCK ON THE PERIMETER: After making it to the free throw line just six times in the first half during Monday night's victory over American, Williams implored his players to attack the basket more aggressively. The Terrapins doubled their free throw attempts in the second half. "We talk about being a perimeter shooting team, but that doesn't mean you can't drive the basketball," Williams said. "In other words, if you've got a big guy you can throw the ball into in the post, that's nice, but you can also get the ball in there by driving. Then when the [opposing] team collapses, that's when you get jump shots. Or you can take it all the way and hopefully they foul you."

ADVANTAGE ON THE BOARDS: Maryland won't hold the rebounding edge entering many matchups the rest of this season, but it will today. Bryant is being outrebounded by an average of 11.2 a game, and its leading rebounder, 6-foot-5 swingman Andrew Lyell, averages four per game.

-- Steve Yanda


More in the Sports Section

Terps

Terrapins Insider

Get the latest updates on Maryland basketball and football.

Recruiting Insider

Recruiting Insider

Josh Barr keeps you in the loop on the local and national prep talent.

Bog

D.C. Sports Bog

Dan Steinberg gives you an inside look at all of your favorite local teams.

© 2009 The Washington Post Company