No. 16 Maryland women’s basketball drops third straight in 83-30 loss to No. 25 Washington in double OT

Photo by Grayson Belanger/Maryland Terrapins. Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics.

Halfcourt offense had been a struggle for No. 16 Maryland women’s basketball at times during its Big Ten schedule.

Wednesday’s contest was no different.

The Terps had five chances to win or tie the game in the second overtime and couldn’t connect on any of them. The result was an 83-80 double overtime loss to No. 25 Washington at the Xfinity Center.

“If we make some layups and we make some free throws, it’s a different outcome,” head coach Brenda Frese said. “This conference is going to continue to prepare for what lies ahead.” 

Down by two points and 30 seconds remaining in regulation, Washington guard Sayvia Sellers had the ball at the top of the key. The junior tried to drive through Mir McLean, but the graduate student was in position and drew a charging foul on Sellers. 

But roughly 17 seconds later, senior guard Elle Ladine answered by knocking down a 3-pointer, tying the game 59-59 and sending the game to overtime. Sellers continued to surge in the first overtime, scoring seven of Washington’s (16-4, 6-3 Big Ten) 13 points. 

Maryland (17-5, 5-5 Big Ten) had another opportunity to win the game in the final four seconds of overtime when freshman guard Addi Mack drove left and lofted a layup that was rebounded by guard Saylor Poffenbarger. The senior was fouled on the put-back attempt and split the ensuing free throws, tying the game 72-72 and forcing a second overtime period.

Missed free throws continued to plague the Terps in the second overtime, leaving them down by two points on their final possession. Freshman guard Kyndal Walker attempted a heavily contested layup, leading to a jump ball and possession in Washington’s favor.

Sellers was the driving force for the Huskies’ offense, notching a career high 38 points while shooting nearly 40 percent. The Terps tried attacking her ball screen, but Sellers continued to score or find the right pass. Sophomore guard Avery Howell and Ladine also thrived on offense, combining for 27 points, including five made threes. 

“I thought Washington showed their experience,” Frese said. “They have veteran players that play extremely well, and I thought Sellers was sensational.”

After some uncharacteristic defensive performances, the Terps defense returned to its early-season form in the first half. Sellers — Washington’s leading scorer — had just four points through the first two quarters and was 0-5 from three. 

Offensively, the Terps struggled to find rhythm in the halfcourt. Outside of Mack and senior guard Yarden Garzon’s 3-point shooting, the Terps battled with a lack of scoring options. The Huskies’ lack of turnovers also limited the Terps’ fast-break chances, a trend that has continued throughout the season.

Mack finished with 20 points while converting on three of her four 3-point attempts. Garzon was the Terps leading scorer with 25 points, marking the second time she eclipsed the 20-point mark this season. 

While rebounding had been a strength of Maryland this season, the Terps generated just a +2 rebounding margin against the Huskies. Maryland averaged a +12 margin heading into Wednesday’s contest. 

The Terps also lost the turnover battle by two and conceded four more steals, aiding in Washington’s win despite trailing for the majority of the contest.