Preview: No. 11 Maryland women’s basketball travels to Syracuse

Photo courtesy of University of Maryland Athletics

After Maryland women’s basketball faced its first test of the season on Sunday against No. 16 Duke, the Terps travel to upstate New York to face Syracuse. 

“We don’t want them to think that just yesterday, last game was a fluke”, said junior guard Bri Mcdaniel. “We have to come in ready how we did the first game.” 

Maryland comes into this matchup 3-0, dominating all three matchups and never trailing after the first quarter. 

The Orange came into the 2024-25 season riding high after one of its most successful seasons in program history. Syracuse made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament where they were defeated by no. 3 seed UConn. 

Despite increased expectations, the Orange dropped its matchup Sunday against Saint Joseph’s 84-70 falling to 1-1 this season. 

After jumping out to a 10-point lead in the first quarter, the Orange were dominated by Saint Joseph’s the rest of the game. 

Syracuse is led by senior guard Georgia Wooley, who averages 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, and shooting 44.4% percent from three. 

After Wooley is a balanced attack of four other players: Kyra Wood, Sophie Burrows, Shy Hawkins, and Kiera Scott. They all average at least 10.0 points per game, shooting above 50% from the field. 

Syracuse is shooting at a high level this season, but its issue has been defense and sloppy play. The Orange have allowed 84 points in both games this season, committed 51 turnovers compared to their opponent’s 43, and generated five fewer steals. 

Syracuse had experienced its fair share of struggles to start the season, but that has not been the case for Maryland. 

Despite having 10 new players, the Terps have dominated their opponents. 

Maryland is shooting a better field goal, three-point, and free-throw percentage than opponents by over 10% in each category, while also outrebounding them. 

Now facing a Syracuse team that the Terps defeated in a close game last season, 83-81, Maryland looks to get struggling graduate forward Allie Kubek more involved, who scored 23 points against the Orange last season. 

“Allie’s a huge asset for us every time we step out on the court,” said Maryland head coach Brenda Frese. “But specifically, she should know going into this game, she should have a lot of confidence, because… she played extremely well.” 

Amid Kubek’s struggles, senior guard Shyane Sellers proves her All-Big Ten Preseason team selection correct, averaging 11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. 

Transfer junior guard Kaylene Smikle has been excellent for the Terps. She leads the team in scoring, averaging 16.7 points per game, including a season-high 23-point performance against Duke. 

While Maryland seems to have the advantage over the Orange, the Terps are going on their first road trip of the season and playing in an abnormal atmosphere at the JMA Wireless Dome. 

“Yeah, road trips are hard. And, like you said, our first true road test, going on the road, on a flight, staying overnight in a hotel”, said Frese. “Then you go into the dome, which has a lot of space, and you’re going to really have to make your own energy.” 

Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. and will be aired on ACC network.