Help for the selection committee
I've always felt there should be certain rules set in stone when it comes to NCAA tournament. For example, lose at home to Fordham, and you're out. Lost to a team from the SWAC - if you're from a power conference - you're out. Get swept by Oregon State, you're out.
For the ACC, that historically has applied to Clemson. Get swept by the Tigers, no NCAA tourney bid for you.
Which raises the question - what should the fallout be for Maryland which - now trailing by 12 with 6:14 to go - is danger of losing to Clemson for the third time in the same season?
There's no other option. Ban the Terps from the 2006 NCAA tourney as well.
Seriously, as much as this reflects poorly Maryland, it also tells you something about the Tigers. They're basically playing a second road game against the Terps. They fell behind by 10, 16-6. And they're pulling in a way in a game that Maryland desperately needs to have. I wrote before in my Clemson preview that this team has made steady progress under Oliver Purnell and they're making me look smart today. That's the sign of a good coach. Oliver Purnell certainly seems to fit the bill.
One other aside: Sharrod Ford looks like a bigger version of Daniel Ewing. Or maybe that's just me.