Terp Talk

   Last night at the REM Concert at Merriweather, I ran into Danny Matta, owner of Great Seats, a sponsor , and one of my good friends. Of course Danny was in the 2nd row, the only person sitting down like myself.  I quote from Danny :You really missed the Lakers Celts didn’t you." I guess the old adage that defense wins championships stands.  This series is not over —no the Lakers look to be in trouble but can Gasol, Radmonovic, and Derek Fischer continue to stink up the joint. Lakers 108  Celtics 92.

    On Terp Talk tonight at 7PM on ESPN 1300, we will have Dino in as co host and Local Pro Golfer, Pat Coyner will call in to report on Round 1.  As with every major golf tourney, I will put Pat on the spot and ask him to predict the final 2 pairings, who will win, and what the winning score will be.  Call in at 410-481-1300 ot email me at   Bruce@terptalk.com

    Some other topics for the show tonight–Big Brown’s inability to close the deal, the O’s game will be in progress, the bringing of Mixed martial arts to Baltimore, the Gilbert Arenas resigning fiasco.

     Sasha Vujavic’s 20 points off the bench helped lead the Lakers to a 87-81 win over Boston to move the series to 2-1 in favor of the Celtics.  For whatever reason reserve players never seem to do as well on the road and the calls definitely favor the home team. last night was no exception.  The Lakers are not getting any major production from anyone except Kobe.  This does not bode well for Phil’s quest for his 10th ring.  Next game Thursday night!

    The comeback kids did it again Tuesday night as the O’s outlasted Boston 10-6 behind a 4-4 hitting gem by Huff and a near perfect in the bullpen.The O’s moved to 1 game over .500.  

    Gilbert Arenas has declared himself a free agent as expected.  Though Gil has expressed interest in returning to the Wizards, he has set forth a demand that Antawn Jamison must be resigned. Not bad–here’s a guy who has basically missed the last 2 seasons with injuries putting the club he loves in a death grip having to sign a player he likes playing with.  How will Grunfeld react–probably will do what Gilbert wants and thereby throw the entire organization in the hands of the great but quirky guard. Signing Jamison is the event most Wizards fans really care about. Stay tuned.

     I incorrectly picked the Lakers in 5, but I will stay with the Lakers.  The foul shot discrepancy will end tonight and most certainly the play of the benches will reverse itself as it usually does. By that I mean role players always play better at home.  I doubt Leon Poe will total 21 points in the 3 games in LA.   

   Not a great weekend o predictions for me. In his quest to become the first triple crown winner in 30 years,, Big Brown just seemed to run out of gas, allowing Da Tara to ease his way to a huge upset victory!!! Was it 3 races in 5 weeks? Was it Dutrow ceasing steroid shots? Was it the hoof problem? Was it the jockey’s fault–the blame will surely be discussed for years to school.

     The Lakers shocked  me maybe even more then the Lakers.  The big 3 are dominating and the bench of the Celtics have thoroughly out played the bench of the Lakers.  That being said, the Celtics are gearing upto go to LA and end this title run on the road.  But remember, Kobe is capable of willing his team to Victoria

     The greatest female lacrosse player of all time and the current assistant coach of the Lady Terps, Jen Adams has left her beloved Maryland to become the Head Coach of the Loyola Lady GreyHounds.  Schooled on the game by the legendary Gary Gait while at Maryland, Jen will certainly help Loyola regain its status among the  lacrosse elite.  Loyola also announced that Shane Walker has transferred to Loyola to play ball under Jimmy Patsos. Under NCAA rules , Shane will have to sit out this year but will have 3 years of eligibility left.

 Heading up to the Big Apple today to hopefully watch Big Brown finish the task.  The O’s behind three 8th inning homers came from behind to edge Toronto 6-5 and return to .500 ball at 30-30.  Adam Jones again for the 3rd time this week provided the game winner with his 2 run blast.

     The news improved greatly in College Park as much sought after QB Danny O’Brienhopped on board the Terrapin football bandwagon yesterday.  Danny, 6″4″ 210 lb QB runs the 40 in 4.6 nad I have seen video of him hitting receivers at all distances.  Maryland Athletic Director Debbie Yow was selected as President of the National Atletics Directors Association, the first woman so honored.

     The O’s returned to the win column behing a clutch Home Run by Adam Jones in the 7th.  The Celtice frustrated Kobe Bryant on its way to to a 98-88 vistory in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

    Listen in tonight on “Mileone” Terp Talk as we will have extensive discussions about the defection of Gus Gilchrist and the outlook for men’s hoops.  Dino will be sitting in tonight as my co-host.  Other topics covered will be the O’s braft and Big Brown’s quest for the triple crown.  Call in at 410-481=1300 or email any questions to bruce@terptalk.com.

    In an incredible turn of events, Gus Gilchrist, Maryland’s heralded 2008 recruit asked for and was granted a release from Maryland on Tuesday. Though it is not certain, Gilchrist desires to play outside of the ACC in order to avoid the extra semester transfer penalty that was thrust upon him due to the transfer from Virginia Tech, another ACC school.  Recruiting goes on at maryland with Gary searching to fill the void left by Gilchrist’s defection.  Maryland still awaits the the final SAT testing of Sean Mosley in June.  

     The NBA’s most storied rivalry returns tomorrow night as the Lakers and Celtics begin their battle for the NBA Championship.   The match ups do not work for Boston. Pierce though playing great right now, is no match for the 2008 MVP, Kobe Bryant.  Derek Fischer has the experience and better offensive game then Rondo.  Gasol–Kendrick Perkins no doubts there.  Garnett has edge over Lamar Odum.  Ray Allen certainly has the edge over Radmanovic.  The LA bench is vastly superior then the Celtics.  Boston’s home court advantage is lessened by the 2-3-2 format. Phil Jackson has 9 rings–Doc Rivers –None.   Lakers in 5.

    A clutch bases loaded 3 run double by Adam Jones helped the O’s defeat the Red Sox 6-3 before 25000 at Camden Yards.  On the Marytland front, Dominic Berger Senior Hurdler for the Terps has qualified for the Nationals with his strong 5th place finish in the Eastern Regionals.  Grant Catalino will join fellow Freshman Tony Mendes, Ryan Young, and Max Schmidt on the USA under 19 Lacrosse Team.  Catalino was the leading scorer for the Terps this past season. Check out this tribute to Coach Williams posted on YouTube     http://www.coachgarywilliams.com/garyland/indiv_tributes.htm

      Red Sox Nation was in full force at Camden Yards last night as the O’s wasted a brilliant pitching performance by Daniel Cabrera.  Again the O’s were unable to deliver any timely hits leaving men in scoring position inning after inning.  The Celtics eased past the Pistons to clinch the Eastern Division Playoff Title.  Next up–a much superior Laker team.  the difference–Kobe, match ups, and depth.  Lakers in 5.  If you get this post early, I will be guest hosting Press Box Live Saturday morning from 7AM to 9AM. The WSOP opened last night at the Rio in Vegas.  Over the next few weeks we will have several guest from the tourneys.  If there are any requests email me at bruce@terptalk.com.