When the Maryland men’s basketball team faced UConn in early December 2001 as part of the BB&T Classic in Washington, the Terps pulled away from the Huskies in the second half for a 77-65 win, displaying the maturity and versatility that had many touting the team as a favorite to return to the Final Four.
“Maryland gave our kids a good lesson on how to play team basketball. ... They’re obviously one of the best teams in the country,” former UConn coach Jim Calhoun said after the game.
But when former Maryland assistant Jimmy Patsos scouted the team three months later as a potential NCAA tournament opponent, he saw a more calloused group.