PHOENIX REGION: Maryland 86 – UTEP 83

DENVER – Before the game, Billy Gillispie promised that his Texas-El Paso players would “take a swing for the fences” despite facing what he called “a monumental task” and “long odds” against heavily-favored Maryland.

The UTEP coach wasn’t kidding as his underdog Miners, a No. 13 seed, nearly closed down Terrapin Station in yesterday’s NCAA Tournament first round game at the Pepsi Center, coming within a mere play or two from upsetting 2002 NCAA champion Maryland before falling 86-83.

Fourth-seeded Maryland, dramatic upset winner of the ACC Tournament last weekend, survived only after Terrapins’ center Jamar Smith (14 points, 8 rebounds) blocked a 3-point attempt by UTEP’s Chris Craig in the waning moments that would have tied the game at 86-86.

For Maryland (20-11), there was immense relief afterward. For UTEP (24-8), there was a measure of pride in having nearly staged the upset just one year after posting a 6-24 record and not having been to the NCAAs since 1992.

“We believe UTEP basketball is back,” Craig said.

Maryland, which led by as many as 11 points in the second half, before UTEP took a 76-75 lead with 2:45 remaining, could hardly argue.

The Terps’ John Gilchrist (18 points) drilled a 3-pointer as soon as UTEP had taken a 76-75 lead with 2:45 remaining. Maryland, which shot only 64.5-percent from the line for the game, made six of its last seven free throws with the game in the balance.