Terps elated to advance in women's NCAAs, but lackluster play becoming a concern

3/26/2008 10:35 AM

By DAVID GINSBURG
AP Sports Writer

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) -For an entire year, the Maryland women's basketball team had to field questions about losing in the second round of the 2007 NCAA tournament.

Entering as the defending national champion, Maryland turned in a lackluster performance against Mississippi and was forced to wait 366 days to make things right.

Which explains why, although they didn't look good doing it, the top-seeded Terrapins were elated about beating Nebraska 76-64 Tuesday night to earn a matchup against No. 4 Vanderbilt on Sunday night in the semifinals of the Spokane Regional.

``I don't think you're going to find a happier team than us to be in the Sweet 16,'' said forward Marissa Coleman, who scored 15 of her 19 points in the second half against the Cornhuskers. ``This was the round we got knocked out in last year, and it was kind of a hump for us to get over. We've talked about all week that our goal wasn't to get to the Final Four, but to get out of College Park and take it step by step.''

First, Maryland let No. 16 seed Coppin State hang around until well into the second half during an 80-66 victory. Then the Terrapins blew a 15-point lead against Nebraska before their superior size and talent finally took hold.

But hey, style points don't matter in the NCAA tournament. Winning does, and the Terrapins are thus far 2-for-2 in that department.

``Winning the second-round game was obviously a big deal for us. It was a weight lifted off our shoulders,'' forward Laura Harper said. ``Now we can just play a lot looser, and that's the best way Maryland plays. I have no doubt in my mind we're ready for anything people bring at us in Spokane.''

The Terps had better bring their ``A'' game out west, or the trip back will come far sooner than expected. Against Nebraska, Maryland had 14 turnovers and needed a late surge to close out a team celebrating its first NCAA tournament victory in 10 years.

Playing at home as a No. 1 seed was an advantage for the Terrapins, but it also added pressure. The fans expected a lot, and Maryland was desperate to not disappoint. That's why the Terps expect to be a bit more carefree when they hit the court in Spokane.

``We're just looking forward to playing loose and free out west,'' guard Kristi Toliver said. ``Last year, obviously, we had an early exit and that wasn't expected. Because of that, we can breath a little sigh of relief because we're still playing.''

But, clearly, Maryland must perform better to make it to the Final Four in Tampa.

``Obviously, to beat the Vanderbilts, the Tennessees, the UConns, you have to play your best,'' Toliver said. ``Right now we're not exactly there. But we don't need to be there right now. We just have to be good enough to continue, and I think we're going to peak at the right time.''