Home Again

The Terps last played a game at Comcast Center 36 days ago. Far too long to be gone! Thankfully, the team returned home today to host the annual Terrapin Classic, which kicked off with a double header starting at noon.

In the opening match, Mississippi State corralled the Thundering Herd of Marshall University, 73-65, to remain unbeaten this season with an 11-0 record. Then it was the Terps' turn to take the floor against UNC-Asheville. In the first half, Maryland showed some noticeable holiday-break rust, allowing the Bulldogs to stay in the game much longer than they should have. But in the second half, the Terps found their rhythm, posting a decisive 90-57 victory.

It was wonderful to see Marah Strickland back on the floor today. Big Strick's absence from the trip to ODU did not seem to have affected her at all, as she shot a game-high (and career high!) 21 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Lynetta Kizer wasn't far behind, posting 18 points.

Though Marah was back, Maryland still wasn't at full strength, as Kristi Toliver watched today's game from the bench, serving a one-game suspension for violating a team rule. After the game, Kristi also had to write "I must not disobey team rules" 100 times on the whiteboard in the locker room (uhh, just kidding).

The Terps weren't the only ones who were home again today, as a couple of former Maryland stars -- now WNBA players -- were back in the good old USA. Yes, Lang and Harp decided to take in today's game, courtside.

And so did recent Maryland graduate and former Terp standout Jade Perry, who also joined in some time-out fun with the fans. The BasketCases send Jade a big congratulations on earning her degree.

It wasn't particularly surprising to see several former Maryland stars in the house, but we were totally surprised to see a non-Terp star at today's game. And, not just any star, but (in the BasketCases' opinion) one of of the greatest basketball players ever . . . Chamique Holdsclaw! We -- and several other Mystics fans -- had the pleasure of speaking with Chamique at halftime. She looked great (as you can see), seemed relaxed and happy, and very eager to be back in the WNBA next summer. As we all told her, we can't wait to see her play again! (And we won't have to wait long once the WNBA season starts, since Chamique's new team, Atlanta, is playing the Mystics right here at the Phone Booth in the Mystics' home opener on Sunday, June 7.)

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The second half of the Terrapin Classic tips off tomorrow, Tuesday, at noon, when UNC-Asheville plays the Thundering Herd (we love that name!). Following that game, the Terps will meet Mississippi State, which as of today was one of only 8 undefeated teams in the country. Let's hope that by about 4 PM tomorrow, that number will be down to 7!

Photo Credits: DC BasketCases