No. 9 Maryland Women’s Basketball Takes Down Princeton, 84-68
The No. 9 Maryland women’s basketball team secured an 84-68 victory over Princeton on Sunday, delivering a competitive 40-minute contest against the Tigers. Maryland looked different compared to previous games, displaying both strengths and areas for improvement. Here are three key takeaways from the Terps’ win.
### Hot Start Cooled Off
Maryland opened the game with one of its best quarters of the season, dominating the first frame by outscoring Princeton with a 16-0 run. The Terps forced turnovers and flowed effortlessly on offense, scoring easy baskets that set the tone early.
However, Maryland’s hot start didn’t carry into the second quarter. Despite their commanding lead and eventual win over a team that Head Coach Brenda Frese described as a “really, really good team,” the Terps struggled to maintain momentum.
“This is going to be impactful for us, when you talk about a future and why we play games like this within our scheduling,” Frese said. “Princeton is a really, really good team. Those players have been together for three and four years with all their experience.”
Maryland’s early dominance shifted as Princeton flipped the script in the second quarter. The Terps failed to break the Tigers’ press defense, committing eight turnovers in the second quarter alone, totaling 16 for the game. Princeton closed the half on a 12-0 run, finishing the quarter with 7-of-15 shooting and 3-of-6 from deep.
Frese described it as a “tale of two different quarters in the first half,” noting the halftime discussion about combating fatigue and overcoming the press that caused issues.
Maryland recovered in the third quarter but couldn’t put Princeton away until the final buzzer. The Tigers stayed within about 12 points and a quick run from Princeton could have made things uncomfortable late in the game. Princeton’s scoring was top-heavy, coming mainly in the second half, led by Madison St.
### Trimmed Bench
Maryland played a shortened rotation against Princeton, using only nine players throughout the game. Of those nine, just six had significant impacts. Senior forward Mir McLean appeared for only one minute, while Kyndal Walker and Marya Boiko saw limited floor time and did not score.
The Terps’ 84 points came primarily from their five starters and Kaylene Smikle, who has effectively earned starter minutes. After Lea Bartelme suffered a season-ending ACL injury on Thursday, Addi Mack stepped into the starting lineup.
“Clearly, some of our players are working hard behind the scenes, but they’ve got room to grow, and that’s the exciting thing,” Frese said. “You kind of go with what you know, and with the experience that you’re able to have.”
Fatigue was cited as a factor in Maryland’s second-quarter struggles. The Terps were playing their fifth game in 13 days, and the starters logged more minutes than they had all season.
“It’s definitely matchups; this team’s a really disciplined team,” Frese said. “These guys understand when you come into the game, and you know, they’re going to shop fake, step up, and under, and you foul—you have to be ready to play.”
### A Mixed Bag on Defense
Maryland’s defense kicked off strong, forcing turnovers and converting them into points. The Terps’ press disrupted Princeton’s offense early, getting into passing lanes and making the Tigers uncomfortable.
“My philosophy with defense is that it is really all hard,” said Oluchi Okananwa. “There’s techniques to it, but it’s really your willingness to defend.”
However, Maryland’s stifling defense faded as the game went on, allowing Princeton to capitalize. The Tigers scored the second-most points by any Maryland opponent this season (Towson scored 70 on Thursday).
Sunday’s game, unlike Thursday’s blowout, remained competitive throughout all four quarters. Princeton shot poorly in the first quarter but improved their shooting steadily as the game progressed. Maryland’s defense didn’t maintain the same intensity, and that allowed the Tigers to get as close as within three points in the second half.
When Maryland played its best available lineups, it still struggled at times to contain Princeton’s top players.
“That intensity that we brought, in terms of [defense], is really what helped us in this game,” Okananwa said. “Even Coach sometimes, with our press that we do, she has to tell them to relax a little bit. So that goes to show you how serious we take it, and how it’s such a great tool for us to really get us going.”
—
Maryland’s victory over Princeton showcased moments of brilliance, persistence, and areas for growth. The Terps will look to build on this performance as they continue their season.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/takeaways-no-9-maryland-women-231006594.html
