Despite being shorthanded, the Terps were resilient on the road.
No. 8 Maryland women’s basketball entered Saturday’s game in Madison, Wisconsin, shorthanded, without Saylor Poffenbarger due to an illness and Sarah Te-Biasu due to left ankle soreness.
Throughout most of Saturday’s action, Maryland was in a dog fight with Wisconsin, failing to overpower the Badgers.
But despite being on upset watch, the Terps dominated the fourth quarter to take down Wisconsin, 83-68.
“We figured today would be a battle, with us losing two starters,” head coach Brenda Frese said. “This group found a way to win. Sometimes, that’s what it takes on the road.”
The Terps had an early advantage, but the absence of multiple starters was evident. Christina Dalce and Kaylene Smikle came out strong in the first quarter, creating a Maryland lead despite some clutch 3-pointers from Wisconsin’s Lily Krahn. A 10-0 run and series of key drawn fouls forced Wisconsin to call timeout late in the first quarter. The Badgers hit a late 3-pointer and cut Maryland’s lead to seven points at the end of the opening frame.
Wisconsin stayed competitive as the Terps extended their bench to all eight available players Saturday. Foul trouble didn’t help — Allie Kubek had three and Dalce had two in the first half. That forced the Terps to rely on small ball, only occasionally utilizing Amari DeBerry for size.
After an even second quarter — despite eight Maryland fouls — the Terps entered the break still up by seven points. Ava McKennie saw extended minutes in the first half, a rare opportunity for the freshman. Bri McDaniel was a tenacious force for the Terps, leading the way with 11 second-quarter points.
It wasn’t a terrible half for the Terps despite their shorthandedness, but they still left more to be desired. Shyanne Sellers, McDaniel, Dalce and Smikle were the only true contributors — no one else had more than four points.
The second half did not start well for the Terps. A Wisconsin 11-2 start to the half allowed it to suddenly take the lead, forcing Frese to call timeout. The Badgers started the half 4-of-4 from the field and 2-of-2 from deep.
Maryland’s defense wasn’t as strong as it typically has been this season, allowing Serah Williams and Krahn to emerge as dominant forces for the Badgers. Williams led Wisconsin with 24 points and Krahn finished with 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting, all attempts coming from 3-point range.
Despite conceding the lead, the Terps did not allow the Badgers to build on it. Maryland responded with a 9-0 run, but entered the final 10 minutes with only a two point lead. The Terps found themselves in serious danger of being upset with several players in foul trouble.
McDaniel didn’t let that happen. She torched Wisconsin’s defense, leading the Terps to an even bigger lead. She had a season-high 21 points Saturday.
Maryland put together a 14-0 run down the stretch in the fourth quarter — just what it needed in danger of a disastrous loss. It forced a whopping eight fourth-quarter turnovers.
“I just can’t say enough of each and everyone stepping up to their role that fourth quarter,” Frese said. “Bri single-handedly led us to a 14-0 run.”
Dalce fouled out with three minutes remaining. She had 15 points and eight rebounds as Maryland’s primary big with Poffenbarger out.
Maryland held Wisconsin to just eight points in the fourth quarter to earn the gritty road victory.
Three things to know
1. Resilience was key. The Terps didn’t have an easy road to victory Saturday, as Wisconsin gave a shorthanded squad its best punch. Still, they came up clutch down the stretch and held on for the win.
“They have to find different ways to be able to win,” Frese said. “Proud of this group.”
2. Foul trouble. Maryland battled foul trouble for the majority of Saturday’s game, forcing an already depleted roster to go with different lineups. That included using small ball combinations at various junctures.
3. McDaniel had a day. The junior guard entered the starting lineup for the first time this season and dominated, scoring a season-high 21 points to go with five rebounds and four assists.
“Just knowing that my team needs me, and knowing that I need to bring a little bit more to the table,” McDaniel said. “Just being able to step up to that and just give my team whatever they need me to do.”