Maryland overcomes slow start to defeat Morgan State, 68-44, in the Puerto Rico Clasico

The Maryland women’s basketball team took down a Maryland foe in Puerto Rico on Friday. The seventh-ranked Terps came through with a resounding 68-44 win against Morgan State in the Puerto Rico Clasico Tournament.

Frese believed that Morgan State was the “more aggressive team,” in the first half but with the help of junior guard Kaila Charles’ 18 points, Maryland surged past the Bears in the second half.

Morgan State trailed by only three points at the end of the first quarter, 16-13. With major contributions from junior guard Blair Watson, scoring 8 points and sophomore guard Channise Lewis, scoring a clutch 3 pointer, the Terrapins were able to double the gap to 28-22 at the half.

Terps head coach Brenda Frese noted the slow start during the first half in the post-conference. "I thought we started the game slow and I think that's a credit to Morgan State," she said.

Freshman Taylor Mikesell and junior Stephanie Jones also had a big game, putting up a combined 27 points and 14 rebounds.

Frese applauded the performance of the two as well Charles. “Stephanie Jones gave us a tremendous, consistent effort for 40 minutes and Taylor Mikesell gave us some great threes in the second half. Charles got going." Frese added.

After the half, the Terrapins steamed ahead and to take a dominant lead against the Bears, with a score of 22-13 at the end of the third quarter.  

Even with the win, Frese still believes that the Terrapins have a lot to work on to better their season.

“We are going to have to continue to step up and play a 40-minute game,” Frese said. With Maryland’s victory, Frese picked up her 491st win as a head coach (491-149).  

The Terrapins look to keep their six-game win streak against the Yellow Jackets alive as Georgia Tech travels to the Xfinity Center. Tip-off is at 6:30 pm EST. The Jackets are currently ranked No. 1 in the ACC and have won their last 4 matchups. Maryland leads the all-time series 49-18 against the Yellow Jackets. The last time the two faced off was in 2014 with the Terrapins coming out on top, 79-62.