Takeaways for Maryland Women’s Big Ten Tournament run
Well…..Maryland was close to advancing to the finals of the Big Ten Tournament but it ended in the conference finals against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Coach Brenda Frese had high praise for the team, “Just obviously super, super proud of our group. This felt like an Elite Eight matchup. Obviously our league, our conference, we’re all so battle tested, it’s unfortunate that any team had to lose this game tonight.”
Maryland gave a taste what they can look like come march. But their run for the Big Ten title ended Saturday evening against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Maryland the first time faced Illinois Genesis Bryant did not play
Maryland faced Illinois back on Feb. 12, and Genesis Bryant was out because of injury, and the Terps exploited that in the first game. Bryant finished the game with 17 points. Coach Frese commented on Genesis’ play, “Really wanting to close long and be there on the catch. She’s a great shooter, scorer, and like you said, didn’t play the first time against us. We knew she could score the basketball.”
The Rise of Bri McDaniel continues!
I have said it before, and I will say it again: development, and trust matter. I hosted a twitter space a few months ago, Shyanne Sellers stated “Bri will be an elite two way guard in the Big Ten”. One of the four freshmen, Bri, has stood out the most as the season has progressed. Bri spoke about her playing success after the Illinois game. “I have to play — I can’t just play for like a set time. Like I’ve got to make sure I play full game. It’s not 20 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes. It’s got to be a full 40, even the time that I’m on the bench. I’ve got to give energy. So just being out there and being the energetic person, I can do a good thing for us. So, hey, I think I’m doing something right.”
Brinae Alexander and Lavender Briggs will be READY for March.
I GUARANTEE, these two will be ready for the Madness in March. Their play off the bench will be key. However, one thing that has been a concern, Bri and Lav should be given more looks for a basket when the team needs a shot. Against Illinois the bench scored 28 points to 0. They have been an true boost for the team as of late.
Then Came Iowa PART Three
Maryland faced Iowa Saturday, and what felt like a back and forth. Iowa won the trilogy. Caitlin Clark is a great player. For 40 minutes, the Lady Terp’s had left it all on the court, and it showed. But defensively Maryland could not make adjustments to how Clark’s playmaking ability other Clark who lead all scorers will 22 points, along with the rest of the starters in double figure two of those four had 20 points or more. That can not happen, especially against a team like Iowa.
The Fourth Quarter nightmare
Turnovers are going to happen in a game. This is true, but turnovers at the worse time, especially when your team is down to their opponent. Let’s go over the scenario in this game. The score is 70-68, you’ve just gotten a rebound, the outlet pass is a turnover, and the opponent scores five straight points after that. Next, the 2nd possession after that, you are attempting a pass, and go out of bounds, which felt they took the momentum out of the team. Coach Frese when asked about those two turnovers “Oh, those are going to haunt me. They were tough. I thought they were more fatigue based. I didn’t think it was a result of their defense. I thought for us it was just lost our focus and fatigue on tired legs. So costly. Those are the things that you’re talking about when games come down to possessions. Crowd’s in it.You’ve got to be able to be more mentally focused.”
The Terps have a couple of weeks to regroup before the Big Dance
