Preview: Maryland women’s basketball set to face top-seeded South Carolina in the Sweet 16

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Maryland women’s basketball travels to Birmingham to face the defending national champions and No. 1-seed South Carolina in the Sweet 16.

Despite trailing by as many as 17 points in the third quarter, No. 4-seed Maryland women’s basketball squeaked out a 111-108 double overtime win against No. 5-seed Alabama.

“It’s a blessing,” graduate guard Sarah Te-Biasu said. “That’s something that you dream of as a kid. Just to be a part of that feels amazing.” 

South Carolina defeated Indiana 64-53 despite trailing by one at halftime, outscoring the Hoosiers by 12 in the second half to earn its fourth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. 

“We’re going to have to be really good,” head coach Brenda Frese said. “Indiana kept it close, but for us, [it is] a game that we’ve got to have everybody show up.” 

Against fellow SEC member Alabama on Monday, the Terps used everything they had to get the win. Outside of graduate guard Sarah Ashlee Barker’s 45 points, Maryland limited the Crimson Tide’s attack, allowing only eight three-pointers to the third-best three-point shooting team in the nation. 

A new challenge awaits in a South Carolina team highlighted by its depth and championship pedigree. Head coach Dawn Staley has led the Gamecocks to three national championships, including two in the past three seasons, cementing herself as one of the best coaches in history. 

“Her teams are always really physical and aggressive,” Frese said. “They play the right way on both ends of the floor. Really tough matchup.” 

With all of its talent, South Carolina is fueled by a balanced attack, with seven players averaging at least seven points per game. They are led by freshman forward Joyce Edwards, averaging 12.2 points on 55% from the field, and sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley at 11.8 points per game, despite coming off the bench. 

The team’s depth is a strength—it contributes a nation-leading 41.5 points per game, ten points higher than second-place Duke. 

“It’s no surprise the depth they have, when you see your two leading scorers coming off the bench,” Frese said. “What I think is most remarkable is the 10 All-Americans that fill her entire roster, that she’s able to keep them all happy and within those roles.”

Other major contributors include junior forward Chloe Kitts. She has started every game this season, leading the team with 7.9 rebounds per game, and 10.1 points. Senior guard Te-Hina Paopao leads the team, averaging 2.9 assists per game, while adding 9.7 points as well. 

While Maryland had to prepare for Alabama’s shooting in the previous game, South Carolina did most of its damage inside the arc, as they shot just 17.4 per game, only connecting at a 33.8% clip. 

Graduate Allie Kubek and senior Christina Dalce have started in the front court for the Terps, and will need to step up again on both sides of the ball. Kubek has been incredible so far this tournament, scoring over 15 points in both games, and leading the team in rebounds, while Dalce’s interior presence has also been crucial, grabbing nine rebounds in both games. 

The Terps’ three starting guards all scored over 20 points against Alabama  – Shyanne Sellers with 28, Te-Biasu with 26, and Kaylene Smikle with 24 – while their bench stepped up with 12 points. Senior Mir McLean was crucial, scoring eight points and recording season highs in minutes (36) and rebounds (10).

Maryland will need similar production throughout the whole team to have a chance against the juggernaut in South Carolina. 

Friday’s game is set for 5:00 p.m., and will air on ESPN.