Nov. 26, 2004

If Maryland is the sixth-best team in the ACC, then the league has teams capable of competing in the NBA, baby!

The Terps put on a clinic in beating a talented Memphis team at the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Classic. Maryland did a great job of cutting off the passing lanes, anticipating and converting steals into layups and slam dunks.

Think about it … Gary Williams' team had a 32-6 advantage in points off turnovers.

Memphis simply could not execute its offensive sets. The Tigers hustled but did a poor job on offense, leading to easy transition baskets.

Down just eight points at halftime, I felt the first four minutes of the second half would be pivotal for the Tigers. Maryland came out and scored the first seven points of the half and took charge.

John Gilchrist put on a masterful performance. Remember back to his efforts in leading the Terps to the ACC tournament championship, beating the top-three seeds. Gilchrist posted more stellar numbers against Memphis: 16 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, five steals and just one turnover.

I was also impressed with the defense of Chris McCray on Rodney Carney. McCray also chipped in with 16 points, hitting six of his eight field goal attempts.

For John Calipari, his return to the state of Massachusetts, where he led the Minutemen to the Final Four, was disappointing. Things won't get much easier as the non-league schedule has tests like a trip to Purdue, a showdown with Pittsburgh in the Jimmy V. Classic, plus games against Providence and Texas.

This Tigers team has a lot of talent, but it must play together. Maryland certainly showed that on Friday night.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.