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After Maryland's triumphant CBE Hall of Fame Classic victories over Arizona State and Iowa State, many assumed the Terrapins were just two cupcake games against Monmouth and VMI from entering their B1G-ACC Challenge match-up vs. Virginia ranked in the top 25. The Hawks turned out to be much more than a cupcake as Maryland squeaked out a five-point win, but there were certain extenuating circumstances that made it (and will continue to make it) more difficult for this squad.
Even with the injury to Dez Wells, Maryland should have no problem with the struggling Keydets of VMI. They're the perfect team to try and build back some confidence before Wednesday's showdown. Playing, according to KenPom, the third worst defense in all of college basketball, yup that's 349th out of 351st, as well as the second fastest pace in all of college basketball, VMI is famous for their run-and-gun style. That's fun when you're good at it, but they are not and Maryland has the size, defense and shooting to take advantage. That's also true of about 250 other college basketball teams.
Anyway, now that Maryland has fired everyone associated with the football team and shuttered the doors to the facilities forever (I assume), hoops is all we have left. Come hang out and talk about it.
Here are more things to read:
Highlights from Maryland's win over Monmouth
Adjusting to life without Dez Wells
Please destroy them, Maryland. We need this.