Maryland women’s basketball loses late lead, falls to Michigan in overtime, 79-77

After leading by 15 points at halftime and by nine with just over three minutes left in regulation Wednesday night, the Maryland women’s basketball team couldn’t hold on down the stretch and lost to host Michigan, 79-77, in overtime.

It’s the third loss in the past five games for the Terps (12-7, 4-4 Big Ten), who got a game-high 21 points from Jakia Brown-Turner and 14 apiece from Lavender Briggs and Allie Kubek.

Leading most of the game, Maryland seemingly took control with a layup from Shyanne Sellers (11 points) that put the Terps ahead 67-58 with 3:07 left in the fourth quarter. But the Wolverines (14-6, 5-3) scored the final nine points of regulation, with Laila Phelia converting 1 of 2 free throws after being fouled by Sellers to tie the game at 67 with 49 seconds left. Phelia had a chance to win the game in regulation after a Maryland turnover, but her layup missed with five seconds remaining.

In a back-and-forth extra session, Brown-Turner tied the game at 77 with 33 seconds to go. Maryland then sent Phelia to the free throw line with 0.6 seconds left after a foul by Faith Masonius, and she hit both shots to put Michigan ahead. The Terps had a chance to force double overtime, but Brown-Turner was unable to connect on a lob pass at the rim as time expired.

“I thought Michigan just played with much more poise and with a lot more composure throughout the second half and into overtime,” coach Brenda Frese said. “Pleased, I thought we still battled and with a lot of adversity we executed late, but it’s disappointing to give up a 15-point lead when you’re on the road and to come out with a loss.”

Chyra Evans had 17 points and eight rebounds, Jordan Hobbs scored 15 points and Phelia chipped in 14 points as all five Michigan starters finished in double figures.

Brown-Turner went 9 of 15 from the field, including making her first six shots of the game, as Maryland shot 51.8% from the field and 43.8% (7-for-16) from 3-point range. Brown-Turner, who scored more than 15 points for the fourth game in a row, added six rebounds and a season-best seven assists.

“Definitely frustrating. Honestly just looking forward to the next game,” Briggs said. “We let that slip through our fingers. Right now it’s kind of make it or break it and right now we’re at the breaking point. We’re just trying to stay together as a team so we can get over that hump.”

Maryland continues its road swing with a trip to State College against Penn State and former Terps guard Ashley Owusu on Sunday at Bryce Jordan Center.

Maryland at Penn State

Sunday, 1 p.m.

Stream: BTN+