No.8 Maryland secured another Big Ten win at home as they defeated No. 24 Minnesota 99-92. Maryland has had a demanding January schedule with Big Ten Play, but they are now 16-1 with six wins in conference play.
Takeaways
Maryland’s Depth will be tested.
Maryland fans held their breath as Bri McDaniel went down with an injury and did not return. Per Coach Frese, it is a right knee injury, and testing will begin tomorrow and should know more in the coming days. The last couple of seasons have been something with injuries. The Terps’ depth now off the bench is Mir McLean, Amari DeBarry, and Ava Mckennie. For most of the season, most of the bench has been out (indefinitely) or not cleared due to injury, with no further updates.
- Kyndal Walker (Right Hand)
- Emma Chardon (Knee)
- Emily Fisher (Concussion Protocol)
- Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu (Redshirt recovering from ACL injury)
Bri McDaniel has been a spark plug off the bench for the Terps. Maryland does have a few days off before the Coretta Scott King Tournament in New Jersey.
Every Terp brings something valuable to the team.
In the last two games, Mir McLean has been asked to take a role where she has responded to what the terps need. Outside of the USC loss, Maryland’s bench had 34 points in the win against Minnesota. McLean was efficient from the field and free throw. Until further notice of McDaniel’s injury, Mir should see a bump in minutes.
Allie Kubek, against Minnesota, shot three of five from three. Kubek’s game from both sides of the ball is something to appreciate. She had a challenge guarding Sophie Hart, Minnesota’s tallest player, and even took a few elbows to be soldiered on as she finished with 17 points.
The fourth quarter clean up.
After the win against Saint Francis, Coach Frese emphasized playing and finishing all four quarters. Against Minnesota, in the fourth quarter, the Golden Gophers did not go away quietly as they scored 32 points. “I’d rather learn lessons with a win versus a loss in areas for us to improve.” Coach Frese said in the post-presser. If anything, Maryland did not guard the perimeter, which can not happen in clutch, especially against ranked opponents.
Shy Sellers WNBA Draft Stock Continues to Rise
Words cannot describe Shyanne Sellers as a player. Leader, fearless, and ready for the moment are just a few words. Sellers has made a case to be a top WNBA draft prospect for the 2025 class. Her growth has been something to watch, and against Minnesota, Sellers continues to quiet the haters, and her game is something a WNBA team will genuinely appreciate. Sellers was 100% from three and from the free throw. Appreciate her greatness.
The Terrapins are not afraid of the challenge.
For the rest of January, most would say good luck. However, Maryland’s remaining schedule is No. 7 Texas, No. 9 Ohio State, and No.1 UCLA. It will be interesting to see how the Lady Terps will look three days in between each game, but they should surprise many. The next game is Monday, January 20th, 2025, as they travel to New Jersey for the Coretta Scott King Tournament, where they take on No. 7 Texas.
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