Tucker likely to play tomorrow

It would seem the Cliff Tucker absence was a one-game deal.

And based on his coach's take, he'll be a part of Maryland's rotation when it plays No. 3 Villanova tomorrow in the BB&T Classic.

"Cliff's fine," coach Gary Williams said. "He practiced well the last couple days and has picked it up, and he'll be out there tomorrow."

Tucker could actually be a pretty significant piece against the Wildcats, who are known for shifting into four-guard sets at times. Maryland only played four guards on Tuesday at Indiana with Tucker glued to the bench, and would probably struggle a bit to match up with Villanova without the extra man.

Imagine that, Maryland actually having matchup problems because it's too big.

Tucker, by the way, is averaging 5.7 points and 2.0 rebounds in 17.2 minutes.

--- Patrick Stevens