Saturday, December 27, 2008

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