First Look

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Indiana vs. Maryland

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STORY LINE

It’s a classic David vs. Goliath tale, and No. 5-seeded Indiana has already proven accurate with its trusty slingshot, knocking off a No. 1 (Duke) and a No. 2 (Oklahoma). However, the Hoosiers have the tradition: Maryland is seeking its first NCAA title while Indiana is after its sixth. And the Terrapins are winless in four games against the Hoosiers.

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HOW THEY ADVANCED

Indiana upset Duke in the South Regional, propelling the Hoosiers to victories over upstart Kent State and West Regional champion Oklahoma. Maryland’s toughest test before beating Kansas in a semifinal came against No. 2-seeded Connecticut in the East Regional final.

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COMMON OPPONENTS

Maryland lost to Oklahoma by 16 points in December and to Duke by 21 in January. The Terrapins also beat Duke convincingly in February and defeated Illinois in November. Indiana split with Illinois in Big Ten Conference play.

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STYLE OF PLAY

Indiana will slow the pace, run the ball through All-American forward Jared Jeffries, then kick it out for three-point shots. Maryland will try to use its superior athleticism in transition and will work the ball inside to center Lonny Baxter and forwards Byron Mouton and Chris Wilcox.

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X FACTORS

Indiana guard Dane Fife shut down Oklahoma’s Hollis Price. Can he do the same to Terrapin guard Juan Dixon, who scored 33 points against Kansas? The effectiveness of Hoosier point guard Tom Coverdale will be difficult to predict. He played 29 minutes on his sprained ankle against Oklahoma and will stay off it until game time. This will be game No. 2002 in Maryland history.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Maryland will be a big favorite, and deservedly so. The starting five of Baxter, Wilcox, Mouton, Dixon and point guard Steve Blake (who had 11 assists against Kansas) is battle-tested and supremely talented. But Indiana appears to be a team of destiny and could pull out a victory by staying close and making plays in the last few minutes.

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Steve Henson