TERP NATION STAND UP!
Maryland when it counted found ways to control the pace & tempo against offensive juggernaut Connecticut offense without key scorers
After two buzzers, and a 600th program win for Brenda Frese. The #20 Lady Terps blacked out “The Standard” UConn Huskies, coming into this matchup Maryland had been beaten seven times, not including the would-be suppose matchup back in 2020 but due to Coronavirus that matchup never occurred.
The Keys to Success
A Testament of Team Effort
The past games have shown flaws in Maryland not being a consistent scoring offense that Brenda Frese always has been the bread and butter for the Terps.
Defensively Maryland struggled in the paint against paint beast Aaliyah Edwards 10 of 19 points came within the first quarter of the game. UConn did have stretches where the offense did at times come to life but the poise of Maryland, and the confidence won the day.
The Terps were more efficient with the ball, especially with a stat line of 19 assists compared to 5 turnovers.
Diamond Miller Can We Talk?
Diamond Miller is a top 5 2023 WNBA draft pick, The Terps play through Diamond Miller, she is the key for Maryland as they progress toward March Madness. Maryland is not going to win many games against ranked opponents if your best player is not consistent, in the first half Diamond was 0-6 from the field but when it counted she sealed the dagger in the heart of UConn.
Others around Diamond Miller
Would it surprise you as the reader of this article that the key transfers for the terps are averaging 9 or more points per game? Players like Brinae Alexander, Abby Meyers are adjusting just fine to the team, and the system. Abby Meyers for example, just alone in the 2nd quarter 16 points on 7 shots. Brinae Alexander has arguably some of the best IQ I have ever seen throughout the nation so far when it counts on both sides of the week. Against Purdue, 50% shooting from 3, getting others involved with 4 assists, and 4 key rebounds. The others around Diamond Miller are also going to be the keys to Success.
Give Credit where Credit is Due
Let’s be honest UConn has been dealing with an injury bug but let us not take away the hard-fought win that Maryland deserved. UConn had seven players, and head Geno Auriemma made the best of what he had to work. Regardless injuries should not be the excuse especially when the team had 21 cases of butterfingers. Every team should have next up mentality when you do not have your best player(s)
Also, Maryland’s heavy guard lineup did outmatch and outperform UConn’s heavy forward lineup.
This was a statement win not just for the program but for what Coach Frese has been preaching for the start of this journey with this new, and it creating #LegUSy. So far these Lady Terps are starting to make some heads turn.
The Lady Terps have a bit of a break in the next game on December 21st against Fort Wayne.
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