After a 20-point trounce home loss Thursday, No. 17 Lady Terrapins are back at the Xfinity Center Monday night. As the regular season is winding down, there are only four games left, and the Terps’ destiny going into the tournaments is in their hands.
The Michigan Wolverines are currently on a four-game winning streak. Maryland has not won a home game for close to a month now.
Nathan’s Keys to Victory!
How Will Maryland Respond?
Maryland hasn’t won at home for nearly a month, and following the dismal performance against Nebraska last Thursday, they must regroup as they face four remaining games. How will Maryland establish their game plan on both offense and defense in the opening ten minutes? While the Terps are determined to compete, securing a home victory would be a welcome relief for everyone involved.
Everyone Needs a Wake-Up Call!
Shyanne Sellers was the only player to score in double digits during the loss to Nebraska. The Terps struggle to maintain focus in critical moments, which leads to stalled offense, and they must find solutions to prevent this from happening again. This team has the talent necessary for a turnaround; another performance like the last one is unacceptable. The Terps will need full commitment from the entire squad to secure victory on Monday night.
Maryland vs. Michigan: Who Will Reach the Free Throw Line More?
The Wolverines have a notable vulnerability: they are second in the conference for the highest number of fouls committed, averaging 18 fouls per game. Maryland must take advantage of the chance to reach the free-throw line while steering clear of its foul trouble, which can hinder its strategic plan during the game.
Defend the Perimeter!
In the past two games, Maryland has given up 22 three-pointers. Additionally, Frese’s teams have a reputation for excellent rebounding. Michigan’s guards and forwards display impressive size, shooting proficiency, and strong rebounding skills. The Wolverines achieved close to 36% from three-point range, ranking as the third highest in the Big Ten Conference.
Pride
Time is of the essence, and the team finds itself at a critical juncture. During a post-game press conference on Thursday, Shyanne Sellers highlighted the urgency for the team to make a firm decision, while Coach Frese addressed the significance of leadership in the locker room. Many experts initially saw Maryland as a potential Final Four contender, but the team’s performances did not align with those expectations. As of Sunday, the NCAA Tournament Committee has ranked Maryland outside the top 16 teams eligible for hosting. With just four games remaining, Maryland must rediscover its identity and reassert its capabilities to everyone.
The post No. 17 Maryland Women’s Basketball Looks to Shake off their three-game home skid as they welcome Michigan on Monday. appeared first on Marylandsportsblog.com.