The Terps finish the weekend undefeated.
Throughout most of the first half, No. 10 Maryland women’s basketball and Toledo were caught in a tight contest, until the Terps’ offense and defense synced to finish the half.
The Terps ended the half on a 12-3 run, making six of their final seven field goal attempts, including huge impact plays in the paint from Saylor Poffenbarger and Bri McDaniel to start the framework of a big win.
Maryland maintained this momentum into the rest of the game to cruise to a 92-70 victory Sunday in Annapolis, Maryland.
“We’re a very good offensive team, especially when we’re unselfish and sharing the basketball, making easy plays for one another,” head coach Brenda Frese.
The Terps won both of its games in the Navy Classic this weekend, with the first coming over George Mason, 66-56.
Poffenbarger led the way for Maryland with 19 points, followed by Kaylene Smikle with 17 and Shyanne Sellers with 14.
The contest produced a back-and-forth start. The Terps started out on an 8-0 run, which was followed by a Toledo 7-0 run.
“They were spreading the floor harder than us,” Frese said of the first quarter. “We weren’t picking up the ball to … send it to the sidelines.”
The Rockets hung in with Maryland through the first quarter, but the Terps distanced themselves in the second quarter. Maryland outscored Toledo, 26-12, in the second quarter.
Using inside scoring and strong defense, Maryland built an 18-point lead at the break. The Terps went 23 for 32 (72%) from the field in the half, but only 2-of-6 from deep.
Poffenbarger added to her strong performance on Saturday with an 11-point first-half performance against the Rockets. Smikle also added another 11 points in the half.
Toledo matched Maryland’s output in the beginning of the second half, but it was only a matter of time before the Terps pulled away, as their lead quickly climbed over 20 points.
Maryland’s defense continued its dominance, allowing 13 points in the third quarter after the Rockets scored just 12 in the second. The Terps held a 22-point lead heading into the final 10 minutes, even after failing to score for three minutes in the middle of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter was a wash, as Toledo pushed back after the Terps looked to open a 30-point lead. The two teams each scored 24 points in the period.
Ultimately, Maryland was strong all day in what was a far more comfortable win than its defeat of George Mason.
Three things to know
1. 8-0. For the first time since the 2018-19 season, Maryland is undefeated through its first eight games. After sweeping both games of the Navy Classic, the Terps have an opportunity to start 9-0 before Big Ten play begins.
2. Poffenbarger’s big weekend. After a 10-point, 12-rebound performance Saturday, Poffenbarger produced another double-double Sunday. The Middletown, Maryland, native recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench against Toledo.
“It’s good to see Saylor get her legs back coming off of her injury,” Frese said.
3. Navy Classic champions. As the only team to end the Navy Classic with an undefeated slate, Maryland became the de facto champions.
“It is good to come away with two wins in our Thanksgiving tournament. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to do that,” Frese said.