Belief in a path to something better under Mike Woodson than what Indiana has become — he will finish 41-39 in the Big Ten in the regular season, finishing higher than sixth only once — is difficult to muster. And particularly in this modern era, defined by roster management and player movement, that belief must be rock-solid.

The Terrapins went 14-6 in Big Ten play and matched their program record for most wins in the conference after joining the league from the ACC in 2013. Of the 15 teams involved in the final bracket, five -- Michigan State,