First round: SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Obinna Ekezie bulled around the basket like Shaquille O'Neal and teammate Rodney Elliott did anything he wanted Thursday in Maryland's 82-68 win over Utah State in the NCAA West Regional.

A first-round loser the past two years, Maryland brushed off a few scary minutes midway through the first half, regained control by popping 3-pointers, and dominated the entire second half.

Ekezie, a 6-foot-10, 256-pounder from Nigeria, started the game with a two-handed dunk and finished with 17 points and seven rebounds. Elliott, leaner at 6-8 but strong and quick, posted 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Did you know: This was the Aggies' first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 1988.