Playing down in Orlando for the Old Spice Classic, the Terps looked absolutely lights out in their 80-62 route of #6 Michigan State. What was the common theme for the night? Hustle.

ESPN blogger Andy Katz sums it up well:

This was classic Williams. Critiquing Williams' recruiting is moot when Williams can get lower-profile players to bust their tail on a game-by-game basis. Maryland got a game-high 17 points out of senior Dave Neal, whom Williams termed is more of a YMCA-type player. Yet, there was Neal, knocking down 3s (all three he took) to help keep the Spartans at arm's length. Freshman Sean Mosley simply outworked the Spartans, getting to the line six times and converting five while also picking up three steals. Adrian Bowie was another hard-working, low-profile, big-game player who outhustled the Spartans for 13 points on 5 of 7 efficient shooting.

Was this a one game fluke? I hope not and I think not. We've got a bench full of scrappy young talent and without an imposing front court, they know they're going to have to fight for every point and rebound. Six-foot two-inch Adrian Bowie has been a machine under the boards this season so far and Dave Neal was playing possessed last night - maybe that healthy shoulder really is the difference maker. And Sean Mosely is getting it done in all aspects of the game - especially that outlet pass when he was falling out of bounds.

What else am I excited about? Well, as much as I love The Jin Soo "Knife," he saw no minutes against Michagan State. This excites me because it means the team's not only exciting to watch because they've got some eccentric players - we can win games. Now let's see if we can keep it up. The Terps face #10 Gonzaga in the semi-finals tonight at 5:30pm on ESPN. Gary has got this team motivated to win this tournament and I think if they keep up the hustle, they have a great shot at it.