NCAA Women’s Tournament: Maryland expert gives the lowdown on the Terrapins, Arizona’s 2nd round opponent

No. 7 seed Arizona will face the second-seeded Maryland Terrapins within the second spherical of the NCAA Girls’s Basketball Match on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. MST on ESPN.

The odds on DraftKings presently favor Maryland by eight factors. The O/U is ready at 146.

As for a way the groups matchup, we reached out to our sister web site Testudo Occasions to get the lowdown on the Terps. Damon Brooks, Jr. provides his solutions to our questions on Arizona alumna Brenda Frese’s workforce.

Q: Maryland solely misplaced two video games at dwelling this season. In opposition to South Carolina, it’s apparent what occurred, however what was the important thing to Nebraska’s win in School Park?

A: Maryland’s loss to Nebraska was sorta of a get up name as a result of it was there first Massive Ten lack of the yr. I consider the Terps struggled to defend the three level line evidenced by Nebraska’s 12-of-25 exhibiting. Moreover, Maryland struggled to comprise the dribble penetration of Nebraska guard Jaz Shelley (29 factors). Nebraska had 4 gamers in double figures and 21 complete assists, which stored Maryland off stability, because the ball moved swiftly across the ground. The sport was the driving pressure in Maryland embarking on a six recreation successful streak with a notable victory over then No. 6 UConn at dwelling.

Q: In its opening spherical win, Arizona was in a position to get what it needed inside each by the guards and the posts, which has often been the successful formulation for the Wildcats. How good has Maryland been at shutting down the paint this season and the way do you suppose they will make that occur towards Arizona?

A: Arizona did a wonderful job with establishing ahead Cate Reese (25 factors) on the inside, which opened the ground for driving lanes for guard Shaina Pellington’s 18 level efficiency. It’s no secret that this yr’s Maryland workforce lacks sufficient measurement, so that they have utilized inventive recreation plans to defend submit gamers. Regardless of their measurement drawback, Maryland has been comparatively stable with their inside protection. The Terps may cause havoc versus Arizona by making fast rotations on entry passes and defending with out fouling. Maryland will get into hassle once they choose up low cost fouls and don’t talk successfully on protection. It is going to be a problem to take care of Reese’s presence, however I’m intrigued to see how they restrict her effectiveness.

Q: In her post-game press convention, Brenda Frese stated that the Pac-12 has nice defensive groups and the Massive 10 has nice offensive groups. Maryland has been the most effective offensive groups within the nation for years, however how is Maryland on the defensive finish? What are the Terps’ greatest promoting factors on protection and are the 24 turnovers they compelled towards Holy Cross an anomaly?

A: Maryland is a protection that appears to pressure a bunch of turnovers that might ignite its transition offense. The Terps have distinctive size on the perimeter with six foot two guard Shyanne Sellers and six-foot guard Abby Meyers. Any 5 that head coach Brenda Frese trots onto the court docket sometimes performs with energetic fingers and excellent defensive exercise. Like I’ve beforehand talked about, the Terps are constantly seeking to flip protection into offense, as they’ve a number of fast athletes with distinctive ability units. Of their recreation versus Holy Cross, Maryland began the sport with an emphasis to set the tone on protection. They allowed 4 first quarter factors together with 24 compelled turnovers. Maryland forces 19.5 turnovers per recreation, so it’s protected to conclude that they’re an elite defensive workforce. Whereas 24 is somewhat little bit of a stretch within the NCAA Match, it wouldn’t shock me in the event that they loved continued success within the turnover class.

Q: Diamond Miller is nice at 19.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg, but when there’s one different participant who has to play nicely—whether or not on offense, protection or the boards—to get this win, who’s that and why?

A: I believe it’s Maryland sophomore guard Shyanne Sellers. She’s made a big leap this season, rising her level complete from 7.7 to 13.8. When Sellers arrived in School Park a yr in the past, her defensive skills was arguably the perfect within the Massive Ten. Sellers has excellent defensive instincts and distinctive lateral motion, so she’s in a position to harass defenders for all the 40 minutes. However Sellers has shined with extra ball dealing with tasks, as she’s decisive in scoring or discovering teammates for scoring alternatives. The sophomore guard has scored in double figures 25 occasions and has confirmed to make performs within the clutch. Sellers drilled a game-winning three versus Purdue earlier within the season paving the best way for a stable second season with the Terps.

Q: How do you suppose the sport will go and do you might have a rating prediction?

A: I believe the sport will likely be very aggressive from the onset. Two skilled groups. Two proficient coaches in Brenda Frese and Adia Barnes. I believe Diamond Miller will look to placed on a present in what’s anticipated as her final recreation at XFINITY Heart in School Park. With a spot within the Candy 16 on the road, I believe Maryland creates separation within the third, ultimately cruising to a 79-68 victory.