Preview: No. 11 Maryland women’s basketball gets set for ranked matchup against No. 14 Michigan

After two convincing road victories over bottom conference foes, No. 11 Maryland women’s basketball (16-4, 7-2 Big Ten) returns to College Park to take on No. 14 Michigan (16-4, 6-3). The two teams rank near the top of the standings, with neither looking to lose ground in the conference race.

The Terps are coming off a convincing win over Nebraska in Lincoln, as they defeated the Cornhuskers by 15. Playing two road games in four games, Maryland still managed to play with the energy necessary to win on the road in the Big Ten.

“In Big Ten play you have to be ready to play every night,” coach Brenda Frese said.

Most importantly for the Terps, the Nebraska game allowed them to avenge their home loss to the Cornhuskers in December. Dominating the whole game, Maryland still shot poorly from three (22%) and the field (30%).

But sophomore guard Shyanne Sellers and senior guard Diamond Miller paced the way with 20 and 18 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, Michigan is coming off a high-scoring home loss to Indiana, 92-83. However, the Wolverines had won three straight prior to that, all double-digit victories. Michigan defeated Michigan State, Purdue and Rutgers, scoring at least 70 points in each game.

Offensively, the Wolverines have thrived from deep all year. Michigan ranks fourth in the Big Ten in three-point percentage (35.6%) and first in free throw percentage (78.6%).

Making up the Michigan offense is a three headed attack. Senior forward Emily Kiser, sophomore guard Laila Pheila and senior guard Leigha Brown pace the Wolverines in scoring.

Kiser leads Michigan in a variety of categories. Stepping in for the departed Naz Hillmon, Kiser has stepped her game up to the next level. She leads the Wolverines in points per game (17.5), rebounds per game (6.8) and field goal percentage (57%).

“Kiser has taken over for Naz a little bit, so we need to really limit her post touches,” Sellers said.

Besides Kiser, Pheila and senior guard Maddie Nolan are dangerous from beyond the arc. Pheila shoots 42% from three, and is extremely dangerous attacking the basket if she gets to her left hand.

On the other side of the ball, Michigan’s defense has remained elite. Second in the conference in scoring defense last year, the Wolverines are tied for second this year, allowing a meager 62 points per game.

The starting five is smaller but extremely aggressive on the ball, similar to Maryland’s defensive style. As a group, that lineup has combined for 115 steals on the year, putting extra pressure on opponent ball handlers.

“They make anything difficult for you to get into an offense and run your sets,” Frese said.

However, Michigan does have some weaknesses on that side of the ball. The Wolverines rank 12th in the conference in team rebounds (35.9 per game), showing off their lack of size in the front court.

Additionally, Michigan ranks in the bottom-half of the conference in opponent three-point percentage (32%). In its recent loss to Indiana, Michigan allowed the Hoosiers to shoot 50% from three and grab 14 offensive rebounds.

“We need to attack the hard hedge and get the ball out quick for easy buckets,” Sellers said.

Both sides are a little undersized in the frontcourt, but also have excellent wings and guards that can shoot from three and also drive the paint.

“An X-factor will be which team will stay out of foul trouble, because I think it’s going to be a physical game,” Frese said.

Tip-off on Thursday is set for 6:30 p.m. at the XFINITY Center in College Park.