Over at the Testudo Times (one of the better Maryland blogs by the way), they asked a good question…Was Maryland-Duke the Best Ever in Comcast?
God no, right? But then I re-read the question and the short answer is actually yes. Why? Because they’re careful to add the qualifier “In Comcast.” In Comcast, which has been Maryland’s home since (I believe 2002), this was their best win. With all the emotion of senior night, an ACC Regular Crown on the line, a chance to show the nation they won’t be a one-and-done in the tournament, all while Greivis Vasquez wrapping the game up with a “look what I pulled out of my ass” lay up…it has to be the best game “in Comcast.”
But, let’s be honest, take away “in Comcast” in that sentence and that game is not the best ever between Duke & Maryland in College Park.
Everyone knows, the two best Duke/Maryland games ever were both in the 2000-2001 season. Both were Duke wins. The first, was in the NCAA Final Four, where Duke rallied from 22 down to win a trip to the finals, where Duke defeated Arizona.
The second game though, was weeks earlier and it WAS the greatest game in College Park (just not in the Comcast Center, which wasn’t built at the time).
It’s called the Miracle Minute (posted below).
Just imagine last night’s crowd, it was no different in 2001. There was screaming, cursing, celebrating for a full 59 minutes as the Terps dominated the Blue Devils all night long. With a minute to go, the game was over. Maryland was up 10. Duke’s best player, Jason Williams, had done close to nothing all game long. The Maryland faithful intched closer, ready to storm the court…again. Hell, I even got up to go to the bathroom, unwilling to watch the celebration.
By the time I got back (this was pre-Tivo), this was happening...
Let’s be honest, outside of a win in Chapel Hill, there is nothing more satisfying than a quiet, stunned, angry Maryland crowd. You just knew something was going to get set on fire that night.
While this game didn’t happen in the Comcast Center…this was the great Duke/Maryland game ever.
