News of Note

While the college basketball season does not officially open for another five days, there were some interesting results from the first night of exhibition games for the 2006-07 season.

Maryland 79, California University (PA) 78

Maryland has missed the NCAA Basketball Tournament the past two seasons, posting consecutive 19-13 records and trips to the NIT each season. A return to their former greatness is not only anticipated, but expected in head coach Gary Williams' 17th season at Maryland. With all five returning starters from last season's team, it was more than a little surprising that the Terps struggled with Division II California, a team that finished 17-11 last season. Maryland needed two free throws with less than 5 seconds on the clock to secure a one point victory against the stubborn squad from tiny California, Pennsylvania.

The Terrapins committed 17 turnovers, while playing poor perimeter defense, allowing the Vulcans to shoot better than 40% (13-30) from three-point range. Maryland opened with the games first basket and then proceeded to relinquish the lead for the next five minutes of game time. The Terps opened a none point halftime lead, only to be outscored 44-36 in the second half. Maryland never led by more than four points in the final 8:30.

Louisville 94, Georgetown (KY) 92

The Cardinals are another premiere program that struggled in their exhibition opener after coming off of a disappointing 2005-06 season. Louisville allowed the NAIA Tigers to shoot 49% overall and 40% from beyond the three-point arc. The Cardinals struggled at the free throw line, shooting just 58% for the game. Georgetown fought to take the lead 81-80 with just over 5 minutes remaining in the game, to see Louisville immediately retake command of the contest on a layup that put the Cardinals ahead for good.

Michigan State 61, Grand Valley State 57

The Michigan State Spartans outscored the visiting Lakers 51-31 over a span of the late first half and the second half and avoided an embarrassing loss in their exhibition opener. Grand Valley State opened the game with a 26-10 lead and held onto their advantage until 3:41 remained in the game. The Lakers, returning four starters from a team that finished 27-4 last season, looked like a veteran club against the sloppy, lethargic Spartans. One bright spot for Tom Izzo's club was a stellar 18-20 shooting from the foul line.

2006-07 Season

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