Preview: No. 7 Maryland women’s basketball starts conference play Saturday vs. Purdue

Photo courtesy of University of Maryland Athletics

No. 7 Maryland women’s basketball (9-0) has had its best start since starting 12-0 in the 2018-2019 season. The Terps will begin Big Ten conference play with a trip to Purdue (5-3) on Saturday. 

After winning both games at the Navy Classic last weekend, the Terps took care of Mount Saint Mary’s 87-52 on Tuesday night. 

Christina Dalce led the Terps in scoring with 13 points off the bench after being replaced by Saylor Poffenbarger in the starting lineup. Dalce only missed one shot, shooting 5-for-6 from the field while recording a block.

“Just do what I needed to do,” Dalce said. “I just went in with an open mind of whatever happens tonight… I’m glad I was able to perform the way I did and help the team get the win.” 

The Terps’ balanced scoring attack behind Dalce propelled them to victory. Five Terps scored in double figures: Dalce (13), Shyanne Sellers (12), Allie Kubek (12), Kaylene Smikle (10), Poffenbarger (10), with Sarah Te-Biasu and Bri McDaniel adding nine and eight points respectively. 

After starting the season hot from three-point range, the last two games have been the opposite approach for the Terps – dominance in the paint was the story against Toledo and Mount Saint Mary’s. 

Maryland scored a season-high 70 points in the paint Sunday against Toledo, followed by 54 against Mount Saint Mary’s on Tuesday. 

“When your three-point shot isn’t falling, I think you need to be even more tuned into getting easier looks until your shot is falling,” said Frese. “I know that will come around.” 

Going into conference play, Maryland knows its toughest challenges lie ahead, with the conference adding four new teams, including two that are ranked in the top six (UCLA and USC). 

“We know in conference play there’s 18 teams, and half of them are ranked, with [two others] receiving votes”, head coach Brenda Frese said. “There’s not going to be an off-night.” 

The Terps start with Purdue (5-3), with two losses to top 10 teams in No. 10 Notre Dame and No. 3 South Carolina. 

In its most recent loss on Saturday to South Carolina, the Boilermakers were blown out 99-51. On Dec. 5, the Gamecocks defeated No. 8 Duke – who the Terps already beat – presenting a tough challenge for Purdue.

The Boilermakers have two players averaging double-figures in points, followed by a big drop-off. Fifth-year guard Destini Lombard leads the team, averaging 14.0 points per game along with 5.8 rebounds and 2.4 steals. 

Senior forward Reagan Bass is second, averaging 13.0 along with a team-high 6.5 rebounds per game. 

Purdue handled most of its inferior competition, but suffered a loss to Middle Tennessee on Nov. 28. This comes as its only loss to a non-ranked opponent. 

With another top 10 opponent in No. 7 Maryland coming in – winners of eight straight against the Boilermakers – Purdue is looking for its first win against a top team this season. 

Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Mackey Arena and will be aired on Big Ten Plus.