A Clean Sweep!

The Terps dominated the Fighting Illini in Cancun last night right from the start, opening with a 12-5 run. Maryland kept the pressure on, stretching the lead to as much as 27 before taking a 16-point cushion into the locker room at the break (39-23). The second half was more of the same, and the Terps won decisively, 79-52. Four Terps finished in double figures, including reserve Drey Mingo, who hit a perfect 8 of 8 from the free throw line!

Speaking of perfect, last night's win gave the Terps a 3-0 record in Cancun -- which means they'll return home undefeated in games played outside the United States!

In a first this season, Maryland fans, including the BasketCases, were able to follow the game via a live blog on the Terps' web site. It's no substitute for TV, but it was fun to read, and helped keep us involved in the action.

The Terps have a basketball-free day today in Cancun before returning to the States tomorrow. The forecast is for 82 degrees and mostly sunny skies . . . we can guess how they'll be spending the day -- four letters, begins with "P."

We hope they enjoy themselves. They've certainly earned that rest day -- and will need that rest day -- as they play a tough Purdue team in West Lafayette on Thursday as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. (Yesterday, the #19 ranked Boilermakers took #5 ranked Stanford to overtime, before falling to the Cardinal in the extra period.) Then on Sunday, Dec. 7, the Terps travel to Pittsburgh to play the Panthers. Pitt is led by senior Shavonte Zellous, a 5'10" athletic guard (and probable WNBA draft first-rounder) who is currently averaging over 22 ppg. She'll definitely be a tough match-up. So after today's fun-in-the-sun, there's no doubt it'll be back-to-work for the Terps this week.