Maryland coach John Tillman, left, with Loyola coach Charley Toomey

( Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun / February 23, 2013 )

Fact: Maryland shot 10 percent against Loyola in the NCAA title game in 2012. Last weekend in their 12-10 win over the then-No. 1 Greyhounds, the Terps shot 12-for-36 (33 percent).

Opinion: Maryland picked on Loyola's defensive midfielders. A defense is only as good as its shorties. The Greyhounds' defense doesn't look the same without midfield stopper Josh Hawkins, whose suspension for a violation of team rules has been costly. The Terps spent considerable time in the offseason on their dodging technique and leverage, and it paid off.