SUPER BOWL 2012

Talk About Heart. Talk about a never say die attitude. Talk about an amazing comeback. Talk about the Terps!

Maryland's ACC home opener tonight against Georgia Tech (which the BCs could not be at in person but at least got to see from the comfort of our couch, at home . . . that is, during those few stretches when we managed to remain seated) was one UNBELIEVABLE ballgame!

If you were in the arena, you probably took comfort in knowing that Maryland games are staffed with EMTs (and defibrilators) . . . just in case. At home, we were screaming (and groaning, at times) so much we worried that our neighbors might dial 9-1-1, thinking maybe we were victims of a home invasion.

The Terps were down 11 at the half. Then, less than 3 minutes after the break, the Yellow Jackets extend their lead to (a seemingly insurmountable) 20 points. Groan.

Some teams and players would've quit. Not Maryland. And especially not Super Duper Soph Alyssa Thomas. Down 20? No problem! That's when heart and hustle take over . . . for some teams, and some players.

We assume you were watching (from the stands or on TV). So you saw how the Terps battled back, clawed back, willed themselves back from that 20-point deficit.

With 8 minutes left, the Terps narrowed the gap to just 2 points. But Georgia Tech is one tough, scrappy opponent. They hung in there and even stretched their lead again to 8. And then, with 4 minutes left to play, the Maryland Sophomores took over. In those final 240 seconds, the Terps outscored GT, 11-2. Nine of those 11 points came from the underclassmen. And when Alyssa put her team ahead with a mere 17 seconds left in the game (the first time the Terps led in the second half), the roar of the Comcast crowd was incredible (even listening on TV)!

AT's and-one was followed by a free-throw by Laurin in the final 2 seconds; Georgia Tech missed a Hail Mary three, and Maryland won!!! Final score, 77-74. After an amazing, roller-coaster of a ride, the Terps fans stood and cheered their team for a win that proved one thing: this team has HEART!

Not surprisingly, Alyssa led all scorers with 24 points (18 of them in the second half). She grabbed 11 boards for a double-double, and was perfect from the free throw line, hitting 10 of 10. (Overall, the Terps made an impressive 22 of 24 FT attempts.) Alicia DeVaughn also had a double-double (11 points and 11 rebounds), while Laurin Mincy (17 points) and Lynetta Kizer (10 points) also scored in double figures.

It will be hard to top this game for excitement this season. Next up for the 15-0 (2-0 ACC) Terps: a road game against the always venomous Tar Heels on Sunday at 1 PM (you can follow the action on Comcast Sportsnet in the DC area).

Go Terps . . . BEAT UNC!

Saturday Morning Update: Alyssa's go-ahead basket, with 17 seconds remaining, is #6 on ESPN's Sports Center Top 10 plays of the day! BTW, if you want to watch this "instant classic" again . . . Comcast SportsNet (RSN) is rebroadcasting it today at noon.