Maryland Terps women’s basketball into Sweet 16 after 77-64 win over Arizona

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Religion Masonius scored greater than typical at a time when Maryland was struggling.

She additionally gave a star teammate a pep speak that was apparently fairly efficient.

“I used to be simply lacking layups, and even Religion was like, ‘Come on Diamond, you’ve acquired to make that,’” stated Diamond Miller, the Terrapins’ second-team All-American. “It was similar to, ‘I do acquired to make that.’”

Miller made all six of her discipline aim makes an attempt within the third, scoring 13 of her 24 factors that quarter to assist second-seeded Maryland to a 77-64 victory over seventh-seeded Arizona within the second round of the ladies’s NCAA Match on Sunday night time.

The Terrapins (27-6) advance to the Candy 16 for a 3rd straight 12 months and the eleventh time below coach Brenda Frese. Maryland trailed by a degree after two quarters however ran previous the Wildcats (22-10) within the second half.

Shyanne Sellers scored 15 factors and Masonius gave the Terps a carry with 12.

Frese was teaching in opposition to her alma mater. She performed at Arizona and graduated in 1993.

The Wildcats gave Maryland a troublesome battle for 20 minutes however could not sustain offensively. Arizona was up 33-32 on the break however went nearly half the third quarter with out scoring. After being held to 4 factors within the first half, Miller had 5 on one journey down the courtroom — a layup whereas being fouled, adopted by a 3-pointer after Arizona was unable to rebound her missed free throw. That put Maryland forward 39-33.

“Regarded like she was most likely challenged at halftime and he or she got here out and simply was on fireplace,” Arizona coach Adia Barnes stated. “Actually arduous for us to protect. I believe that we sort of allowed her to get out in transition and had loads of isolation moments. We all know she likes to go left and he or she began going proper and scored. She was arduous to cease.”

By the point the quarter was over it was 61-42. The Terrapins shot 11 of 14 from the sphere within the third.

Maryland advances to face third-seeded Notre Dame within the regional semifinals Saturday. The Terps beat the Irish 74-72 at Notre Dame on Dec. 1 on a buzzer-beater by Miller.

Cate Reese led Arizona with 19 factors.

“I believe we acquired a little bit perhaps too snug, I don’t know,” Reese stated. “We simply in that second beginning out within the third quarter, we simply didn’t need it extra they usually took it to us and we simply sort of fell again on our heels I really feel like.”

BIG PICTURE

Arizona: The Wildcats exited within the second spherical for a second straight season after reaching the nationwide title sport in 2021.

Maryland: The 6-foot-1 Masonius gave Maryland an encouraging efficiency, ending two factors shy of her season excessive. Her skill across the basket may very well be necessary for a staff with out quite a lot of dimension.

“Religion simply emptied the tank and also you noticed that with the defensive effort she needed to placed on Reese, the toughness that displayed after which all the sudden, at instances we’re working her within the press break to carry the ball as much as run our offense,” Frese stated. “You noticed she was exhausted. Like that’s what it seems like while you empty the tank and go away all of it on the market and why she is the winner that she is.”

BRIGHT SPOTS

Arizona had one fewer turnover (18) than Maryland, and the Wildcats completed with a 22-18 edge in quick break factors. Not a straightforward process in opposition to the Terps’ stress.

FOUL TROUBLE

Sellers was restricted to 11:34 within the first half, having picked up two fouls.

“I used to be actually itching to get again on the ground,” Sellers stated. “Each time B walked previous, I’m going, ‘I received’t foul.’”

UP NEXT

Miller scored 31 factors in that December sport in opposition to Notre Dame. Olivia Miles scored 14 factors for the Irish, however she’s now out due to a knee harm.

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