How the hell did Maryland get that high?
First, Ken Pom’s RPI gives a lot of love to the ACC. Duke is No 2, while six ACC teams are in the top-27. In the current AP poll, only Duke (#8) and Georgia Tech (#22) crack the top-25.
Second, the fact is, Maryland is winning. After a rough 5-3 start to the season, the Terps have won eight of 10. They’re leading the ACC with a 3-1 record. They’re third in the ACC in scoring (81.5ppg) and second in scoring margin (16.5ppg).
Even the rebounding has gotten better after some early season struggles. They’re +5.6rpg over their last 10 games, holding their own against teams like Wake Forest and Florida State.
Now, why can these rankings be right?
We’re also big fans of experience and upperclassmen and the Terps have it. Maryland has three senior starters (Milbourne, Hayes and Vasquez). Grievis Vasquez, who has started at point guard since walking on campus, is arguable the best guard in the ACC. That’s a winning combo, folks.
Yet, something is nagging me. It’s that damn schedule. Currently, the SOS is only 110th in the nation. That kind of number can kill a bubble team. The Terps have played so many cupcakes, my gums are starting to hurt.
When Maryland has faced top talent, they’ve lost. They lost to Cincinnati, Wisconsin and Villanova. They also lost to Wake Forest in the ACC. They’re only signature win was at home against Florida State. Overall, they’re 1-4 against top-60 teams in the RPI.
