I think one of the worst phrases in the English language is “if only”.   It conveys such regret, such loss of opportunity.  Every time you see those words together you can almost imagine the sorrow dripping off of them like an over saturated sponge (is that really my best analogy?).  But in order to keep your sanity you have to learn to let go, move forward and focus not on the “if only’s” of the world, but the success, the accomplishments, and the next opportunity where you can avoid such feelings of regret.

Though I think many of us have our “if only’s” scattered throughout our lives, no where do you come across them more than in sports.  For example, the Terps just played two back to back games where I turned the TV off trying to imagine them playing any harder.  The win Saturday night in Boston for example was one of the most complete efforts I have seen to date.  They came out, established a lead, held off all of BC’s runs and left everyone who was watching with little doubt about who was the better team.  It was a much needed road win that came in a rather easy manner, and those are rare.  And though I did take a few minutes to enjoy the game and what happened, and how nice it was to not have to sweat through an ACC game for the first time in what seems like a long time, it wasn’t long until the “if only’s” crept into my head.

I mean, I’m not sure if Gary Williams was still in the middle of his post game interview when I was already saying to myself, “If only Sean Mosley had made that shot at the end of regulation against Wake.” or  “If only Jordan Williams could have made his free throws in overtime”.  The lists goes on and on.  If you allow me to feed those demons for a few minutes had we pulled out the Wake game we would currently be 3-0 in Conference with 2 road wins under our belt.  We would also be looking at games this week against Longwood (who I’ll assume we can handle even though I know nothing about them), and NC State both in Comcast, both winnable.  Though Longwood wouldn’t do much in terms of our ACC record, any win from January until Selection Sunday is welcome regardless of the opponent.

But our win against Wake Forest did not happen.  The team played great, they battled the entire 40 minutes, and a break here or there and the Terps could have won.  I’m pretty sure Wake Forest realized how lucky there were to win that game.  And maybe that is why I could  never be a closer in Major League Baseball (among about 1,000 other reasons).  At this level you need to move on and not dwell in the past.  Remain focused on the next game and try not to let any other opportunities slip through your fingers.  The Terps did that in Boston College.  They followed a great, heart filled game on little rest in Winston-Salem with a performance that dominated the Eagles on their home court.  It was exactly what they needed to do.  So even though for the week, the Terps only went 1-1, I think the past 7 days could indicate the kind of team we are going to see the rest of the season.  If that is indeed true, it should be a pretty exciting winter, and a pretty anti-climatic selection Sunday, and I don’t think anyone would regret that.