Maryland will start its NCAA Tournament far away from home against an upstart mid-major. The Jackrabbits went 26-7 and won the Summit League regular season and tournament titles. South Dakota State is ranked 28th in RPI and is 1-1 against teams that made the field. The Jackrabbits won at Florida Gulf Coast and lost at Texas Tech.
Maryland shouldn't have a problem with the upset-minded Summit League champs. The Terrapins have been inconsistent for much of the season, but they are a deeper, bigger and more talented team.
Mike Daum averages 15 points and six rebounds a game for the Jackrabbits, but he has yet to face competition of Maryland's ilk.