No. 7 Maryland women’s basketball’s takeaways versus Mount St. Mary’s

Photo courtesy of University of Maryland Athletics

No. 7 Maryland women’s basketball (9-0) continues its undefeated start to the season, defeating Mount Saint Mary’s score 87-52.

The Terps came in 10-0 all-time against the Mountaineers and remained unbeaten in the in-state matchup.

Here are the takeaways from Tuesday’s game. 

Dominance in the paint

After scoring 70 points in the paint against Toledo, Maryland used the same strategy against Mount Saint Mary’s, scoring 54 points inside. 

Once again, the Terps struggled from three, so they used their size advantage, breaking down the Mountaineers’ defense for easy layups. 

“We have an inside post presence, and we definitely had an advantage tonight in that area,” said head coach Brenda Frese. “When your three-point shot isn’t falling, I think you need to be even more tuned into getting easier looks.” 

In the first half, Maryland scored 24 paint points, with the trend continuing into the third, as the Terps’ first four field goals came in the paint, and finishing the half with 30 points inside. 

Strong second-quarter play

For the second straight game, the Terps struggled in the first, but a strong second quarter extended their lead. 

The Terps led by just after the first against Toledo but outscored the Rockets 26-12 in the second to take an 18-point halftime lead. Maryland followed this trend, leading the Mountaineers by five after one but outscoring them 25-11 in the second quarter and taking a 21-point lead into halftime. 

Maryland started the quarter shooting 5 of 5 from the field, as Allie Kubek made two layups, followed by a layup from Shyanne Sellers, then a short jumper from Kaylene Smikle, and a layup by Christina Dalce. 

“I think coming into the second quarter, coach [Frese] reiterated how we need to come with more energy no matter who the opponent is, and that’s one through five,” Kubek said. “Whoever wants to be on the floor is going to have to play defensively and offensively.” 

Balanced scoring attack

Maryland spread the wealth against the Mountaineers as every player recording playing time scored.  

Seven Terps players scored at least seven points, with five players in double figures. Christina Dalce led the Terps with 13 off the bench, followed by Kubek (12), Sellers (12), Smikle (10), and Poffenbarger (10).  

“I think that’s the luxury we have this year is that we do have seven starters,” Frese said. “On any given night … you want to be the player playing at the end of the game.” 

Sarah Te-Biasu added nine points, along with Bri McDaniel scoring eight to add to the Terps attack. 

Maryland looks to keep its winning style heading into conference play. Its first Big Ten matchup is Saturday at 2 p.m. at Purdue.