It's Not That the Maryland Team or their fans have any particular animosity toward the Wolfpack. Traditionally, these two programs have always had a good relationship. But this week -- and today -- all friendly feelings were put aside as the Terps were focused on one thing and one thing only: beating NC State.

Last season, the Wolfpack handed the Terps one of their most embarrassing losses . . . a 73-45 drubbing in Raleigh that really got Maryland's 2010 ACC season off on the wrong foot. Coach B and her assistants, and the veteran players who remember that game (painfully), were not about to let that happen again. NC State may not be a traditional Maryland rival, but this afternoon's game was one the Terps had to win.

And they did . . . returning the favor to the Wolfpack, 88-59.

The final score may give those who weren't there or didn't watch on Comcast SportsNet the impression that Maryland dominated from start to finish. Not true. In fact, with about 7 minutes left in the first half, NC State actually led by 12 points. But Kim Rodgers (once again) hit a big 3-pointer to spark a Terps rally that closed the gap to 3 by half-time and continued on and on throughout the 2nd half (which pretty much turned into a Maryland rout). From the moment when the Pack led by 12 until the final buzzer at the end of 40 minutes, Maryland outscored NC State 67-26! Super!

For the Terps, there were plenty of super performances today. Perhaps the super-est (is that even a word?) was by Lynetta Kizer, who led all scorers with 22 points, and grabbed 13 boards for a double-double. And 'Netta did all that in only 23 minutes, sitting out much of the first half due to early foul trouble. Off the bench, Kimmie put up 14 points, while Diandra completed the Terps' double-digit scoring with 11.

But the crowd of nearly 6,400 was treated to more than just the Terps' hi-octane offense. As they've done on many occasions this year, the Terps dominated the glass, outrebounding NC State 48-25. Maryland also had 18 assisted baskets. Impressive. Diandra dished out 7 of those, Anjale had 6, and rookie Natasha Cloud added 5 off the bench. We've come to expect those kind of super-outings from Frenchie and Bronx, but we were really struck today by how much Tash seems to be coming into her own as the ACC season progresses.

If you're wondering why we haven't mentioned super frosh Alyssa Thomas, it's because she went down with lower back spasms during the first half (ouch!) and played only 7 minutes. In that time, though, Alyssa scored 3 points, enough to make her only the 12th player in Maryland history to score 300 points as a freshman. (Congrats, Alyssa!) Alyssa is considered day-to-day, and we certainly hope to see her back in action for the next game.

And that would be Thursday, in Miami, at 7 PM. The 'Canes are currently in a 4-team tie with the Terps for 2nd place in the ACC. So this is yet another important game coming up. But despite the distance from College Park, there should be some Maryland fans in the house. Alicia DeVaughn, who hails from nearby West Palm Beach, Florida, told the crowd at the (always enjoyable) Rebounders social following today's game that her "13 sisters" will be at Thursday's game to cheer on Maryland. OK, the BCs confess that we're not the youngest of Terps fans, so our hearing may not be as sharp as it once was. Did she really say "13 sisters" or did our not-so-young ears fail us?

Oh well, whatever Alicia said, the BCs are sure her family and friends will be a welcome presence for her and the rest of the Terps at the game. But now it's time to wrap up this post and get out the dip, chips, and adult beverages . . . our traditional Super Bowl supper. (Please don't anybody tell Coach Kyle.)

Go Terps . . . Beat the 'Canes!

P.S. Go Packers!