NEW YORK - Start spreadin' the news - the Terrapins have arrived in the Big Apple.

The Maryland men's basketball team hit the road Easter Sunday evening, boarding a University "Fear the Turtle" bus en route to the big city. Head coach Gary Williams and his Terrapins traveled north on I-95 to take part in the semifinal round of the 68th Annual NIT, where they will meet South Carolina on Tuesday (approximately 9:30 p.m., ESPN2).

Along the way, the Terrapins enjoyed some bonding time over pizza, and watched Michigan State's double-overtime NCAA regional final victory over Kentucky on the bus DirecTV system. The Terps roared when UK's Patrick Sparks hit a last-second 3-pointer, and joined in the debate about whether his foot was on the line, or if he drew contact on the shot. It was definitely an exciting finish to the NCAA regionals.

Following the game, the Terps took in a few moments of CBS' 60 Minutes, before opting to watch Will Ferrell's smash hit comedy, Anchorman. Allegedly, even a few chuckles came from the coaches' section of the bus during the movie.

Excitement began to build as the Maryland bus rolled through the Lincoln Tunnel. For some of the Terps like California-native Ekene Ibekwe, this trip represents the first to New York City - and the bright lights of 42nd street greeted the team soon after the bus emerged on Manhattan Island.

The Terps settled into the team hotel, right in the heart of New York City's midtown area, in middle of Times Square and Broadway's theater district. The team enjoyed dinner at the hotel before stretching their legs in the midtown area prior to curfew.

Monday morning after breakfast, the Terps took a timeout for study hall while Coach Williams joined the other NIT semifinalist coaches at a press conference. The coaches exchanged handshakes and a few laughs between interviews before taking to the dais and addressing the crowd on hand.

Next came practice time for the Terrapins, who boarded the team bus and worked out at New York University's Coles Sports and Recreation Center. Many NYU students stopped by and watched the Terps intensely run through their drills.

After the practice session, the Terps returned to the hotel and cleaned up for dinner. The Terps joined the other teams, coaches, NIT officials and special guests at New York's famed Tavern on the Green in Central Park. NIT executive director Jack Powers formally welcomed everyone to the tournament semifinals, and ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla introduced the teams.

Upon returning to the hotel, the Terrapins got together once again, for a meeting and film session as prep for the game conitinues.

Tip-off is now less than 24 hours away - if you can't join the Terps in the Big Apple be sure to check out the game on ESPN2.