The calculus could not be simpler. Win and the quest for an NCAA berth continues. Lose and the dream of an at-large berth is over.
If the team can't seem to find their focus based on the above, then forget the season anyway. Winning on the road is hard no matter where it is, but Maryland faces two bottom of the conference teams this week (GT + Wake).
Two road wins will help the RPI tremendously. Couple those with a win against UNC and the Terps would have 3 road ACC wins (VT + GT + Wake) and 3 wins vs RPI Top 25 teams (UNC, NC ST, and Duke). The at-large case for Maryland becomes exponentially greater if the above scenario comes to fruition.
Lest we get too excited, it's important to note that EVEN IF it unfolds as noted above, Maryland's at-large hopes could still reside on the outcome of the season finale in Charlottesville against UVA. MD and UVA may be battling for the last ACC at-large spot and a UVA sweep could swing the pendulum to them.
Of course, none of this matters if Maryland can't win tonight. The game starts at 8pm ET.
