For the Maryland Terrapins, the Maui Invitational represents an opportunity to face some quality competition to assess where they’re at now and what they need to improve for the real season—the start of ACC play in January. And, more specifically, the first-round meeting against a Div. II opponent was just a continuation of what they started with their first three games against Charleston Southern, Fairfield, and New Hampshire. But for Chaminade, the Invitational is the Final Four, an opportunity to rub elbows with college basketball Goliaths and a hope to capture lightning in a bottle like it did against No. 1 Virginia in 1982. This contrast in perception was on full display in the first half of Maryland’s 79-51 victory in Maui on Monday night. Whether it was jet lag or looking ahead to tomorrow’s second-round meeting with Lance Stephenson and Cincinnati, the Terps struggled out of the gate, were out-rebounded and out-hustled, and trailed 16-14 with 7:30 remaining in the first half. It was clear Gary Williams was displeased with his team’s lackadaisical play, so it’s safe to assume the future Hall of Fame coach gave his players an earful at the half, leading only 36-26. And Williams clearly
