I called two colleagues in my line of work (one who works at my paper, one who works at the crosstown competitor) last night once I left George Mason and informed them Maryland had been sent on the road in the NIT.

Both laughed hysterically.

When I IM'd loyal Discourse reader Bill OB will the same news, his reaction was "Hilarious."

Is this a product of good old-fashioned Terps fatigue (which I will acknowledge I am guilty of perpetuating, if only because I'm the Maryland beat writer)? Or just the vindictive joy many people get from watching the mighty fall?

Actually, my guess is that it's seen as sort of a comeuppance for the embarrassing NIT display of two years ago against Manhattan. A team that didn't look like it wanted to be there --- even if only James Gist and Dave Neal remain from that squad --- is well-remembered.

We'll see what Gary has to say this afternoon. He's the only person from the program available for interviews, which is frankly sort of weak. What will be more interesting is just how many reporters bother to show up.

My guess: Times, Post, Sun, Capital, Diamondback and Comcast SportsNet.

--- Patrick Stevens