Maryland avenges early season loss to knock off Mich St., 71-55, in Big Ten Tournament

Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics.

Maryland Women’s Basketball entered the Big Ten Tournament in Indianapolis Arena in hopes of turning their second round defeat last year against Ohio St. into a championship win.

Maryland defeated their first opponent of the tournament, Michigan State, 71-55, a team they lost to in their first matchup of the season Jan. 17.  

Maryland had a strong start to the first quarter outscoring Michigan State and holding them back offensively, relying on their versatility. The Spartans retaliated in the second quarter by pushing their way through the terrapins defense, scoring on every drive. Maryland shot 0-for-6 from the field at the end of the second quarter, allowing Michigan to close the gap to within four, 35-31.

The Spartans stepped into the second half hot from the field, scoring another two points within the first ten seconds. Maryland pushed back, gracefully moving their transition. Blair Watson hit a three, allowing her to recover from her foul trouble in the first half, giving Maryland the momentum. Kalia Charles dominated the third quarter, drawing a foul every time she drove into the paint, leading  Maryland’s 15-2 run. Maryland dominated every aspect of the game, shooting over 50 percent from both the 3 and the field, 70 percent from the free-throw line, also collecting over 30 offensive rebounds. Maryland kept it full throttle for the rest of the game.

The Terrapins will continue their road to the Big Ten Championship game Saturday as they face the winner of the Michigan vs Wisconsin game.