The Maryland men's basketball team left campus at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday for Spokane, Wash., where the Terrapins will open play in the 2010 NCAA Tournament beginning Friday.

Maryland fans back on the East Coast will need to rest up Thursday night as the Terps will play in one of the last first-round games. Tip time vs. Houston is not until 9:40 p.m. ET.

There are approximately 75 people in the travel party, which includes players, coaches, administrative staff, cheerleaders and the band.

Travel went relatively smoothly. The Miami Air charter took off at 6:40 p.m. ET from BWI and landed around 8:15 p.m. local time at Spokane International Airport.

The team is staying at the Davenport Hotel which is located downtown and close to the Veterans Memorial Arena. Upon arrival the team and travel party had dinner and relaxed.

The team will try to get over the jetlag with a spirited practice Wednesday afternoon.

That practice is closed, but the team will have an open practice at 5:10 p.m. PT Thursday in Veterans Memorial Arena. That comes after right head coach Gary Williams and the players visit with the media.

Check back on the blog for entries over the next few days.