In a fourth-round matchup rich with subplots, there certainly won't be any excuses for unfamiliarity when the top-seeded Terrapins (31-4) and No. 3 seed Cardinals (32-4) meet tonight in the Raleigh Regional final.
"Both coaches are going to be well prepared," said Maryland's Brenda Frese, playing down the mentor-vs.-protege storyline. "Obviously, when the ball tips, it's Maryland vs. Louisville. It doesn't have anything to do with the two coaches. It's all about two teams."
Iowa State remembers
The low point for Iowa State's season came on Thanksgiving weekend, a 38-point loss to Stanford in Honolulu.
The Cyclones will get another try against the Cardinal when the teams meet in tonight's Berkeley Regional final.
Instead of flying high after an impressive comeback win over Michigan State Saturday, the Cyclones (27-8) are well grounded, contemplating the unpleasantness of facing post power Jayne Appel and Stanford's stellar role players. The No. 2 seed Cardinal (32-4) have won 19 straight while zeroing in on their second straight Final Four trip.
The Cyclones know they're a much better team now, but not if they're good enough.
"It would be an upset of monumental proportions if we won the game, but that's the great thing about the NCAA Tournament: We've only got to beat them once," Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly said.
