Through the first 20 minutes, Maryland showed they can play with anybody in the country. Over the final 20, Florida displayed why they are legitimate contenders to win the NCAA Tournament. The Gators outscored the Terps in the second half Thursday night,

Westtown product Kaylene Smikle helped the Terrapins come close to dethroning the reigning champions. But MiLaysia Fulwiley's 23 points led the Gamecocks as they escaped late with a 71-67 win.

The No. 1 seed Gamecocks (33-3) evaded an upset bid from No. 4 Maryland on Friday in the Sweet 16 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. South Carolina won the game 71-67 thanks to a big fourth-quarter performance from its sophomore phenom MiLaysia Fulwiley. She had a game-high 23-points.

Willard’s departure ends a saga that overshadowed the Terrapins’ recent run to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.

Villanova hired Maryland’s Kevin Willard as its new coach Sunday to replace the fired Kyle Neptune. Willard had been linked to the Villanova job throughout the NCAA Tournament, where the Terrapins earned a No.

Villanova is set to hire Maryland's Kevin Willard as its next head coach. FOX Sports' John Fanta has the story here.