Breaking News: Terps Win! The National Champions did as expected tonight, beating the LTL All-Stars in Maryland's only exhibition game of the season, 80-64. The BasketCases were worried for a moment there when the All-Stars raced out to a commanding 2-0 lead. But that was it, and there's really not much to say about a game like this, except that it was great to see the Terps back in action at Comcast. Christie Marrone made her debut as a Terp tonight by hitting an impressive bomb from behind the arc for her first Maryland points. The Terps' only freshman, Emery Wallace, unfortunately will have to postpone her Maryland debut as she recovers from knee surgery. So except for the addition of Christie, this was virtually the same team that won the Natty. Sweeet! The Terps open their real season on the road next Friday, November 10, at Middle Tennessee, and then return for their home opener on Sunday, November 12, against George Mason. We can't wait!

In other news . . . The BasketCases had the pleasure of chatting briefly with Nikki Blue before the game. Nikki is planning to play overseas starting in January, but is still undecided as to where. Meanwhile, her Mystics teammate, Alana Beard, was in the stands tonight (virtually unnoticed) to cheer Nikki on. Alana expects to play in Russia this winter and told us that she's not looking forward to the cold. (Oh yes, winter in Russia? It will be COLD!! Alana, have you ever seen Dr. Zhivago?)

Friday morning update: Today's Baltimore Sun has an excellent article previewing the Maryland women's team . . . a must read!