March 29, 2002

By DAVID GINSBURG
AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA -- Last year, the Maryland Terrapins were the rookies in the Final Four. This time, they are the only ones with experience in the national semifinals.

For that reason, the Terrapins hope to have an advantage over their counterparts this weekend as they try to win the school's first championship.

"We know how it works now. We're not overwhelmed by the term Final Four anymore," coach Gary Williams said.

The Terrapins' trip to Minneapolis last March was also Williams' first trip to the Final Four, and he also benefitted from the experience. Upon arriving in Atlanta on Wednesday, the coach knew exactly what to expect in the days leading up to Saturday's NCAA tournament semifinal game against Kansas.

"If you've been through it as a coach, then you can get it to your players," he said. "You know it's going to be crazy this week, but you assign yourself certain times during the day where you just watch tape, or you're just going to think about Kansas.

"The big thing I found out last year is that you prepare for the game just like you prepare for a regular-season game."

The Terrapins knew all about Duke, their semifinal opponent last year. But there was something about playing on the national stage that was decidedly different, and it cost Maryland a shot at playing for the title.

After going up by 22 points in the first half, the Terrapins ultimately collapsed in a 95-84 defeat.

"We kind of folded up. We didn't quit, but we stopped playing," forward Tahj Holden said. "We've grown up a lot since then."

This season, Maryland played the role of the favorite in most of its games. But the Terrapins (30-4) perceive themselves to be underdogs against Kansas, which is making its first appearance in the Final Four since 1993, but carries a rich tradition fueled by four NCAA championships.

"We're not the team to beat now," Williams said. "From what I've seen so far, I believe they're considered to be the favorite. We're looking forward to the challenge."

Williams and the players know what to expect this time around, which will help prepare them for one of the most important games of their lives. The Terrapins have already won more games than any other Maryland team, but a loss to Kansas would be a bitter disappointment.

They're not sure what to expect on Saturday night, but at least they've got an idea of what lies ahead Friday.

"There are a lot of things that occupy a player's mind during this. Instead of going to a mall, there's a press conference. There are more things to do during the regular season," Williams said.

The Terrapins hope this year is different from last, in that they'll have to attend a press conference Sunday as a lead-in to Monday's title game.

"We're definitely one of the best teams in the country," guard Juan Dixon said, "and hopefully we're going to continue to show it."