COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Maryland is going to need a late-season surge to reach the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2010.

Since beating Duke last month, the Terrapins have lost three of five. The latest defeat came Wednesday night, a 79-68 disappointment at home against North Carolina that dropped Maryland below .500 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The Terrapins (20-10, 8-9) went 3 for 23 from beyond the arc, took nine fewer free throws than the Tar Heels and got only one more rebound than a team that started three guards and two forwards.

Maryland needs to win at Virginia on Sunday night to break even in league play.

Forward Dez Wells says, “We have to finish out the season as strong as possible and do really good in the ACC tournament.”

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