Maryland Women Host Radford to Begin NCAA Tournament
The #3 seeded Maryland women’s basketball team will take on #14 Radford for an early 11 a.m. tip-off on Saturday at XFINITY Center. Ouch, that’s kind of early but this is a game worth waking up for.
The lady Terps had a great regular season, finishing 28-4 overall and 15-3 in the Big 10. In conference tournament play, Maryland fell to #10 Iowa 90-76 in the Big 10 championship game, their fifth consecutive appearance in said game.
The Terps are led by Freshman Taylor Mikesell, who was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. During the season, Mikesell made a Big 10 best and freshman program record 86 three-pointers. That also led all freshman in the country. She averages 13.9 points and 3.1 three’s per game. She’s made at least one three-pointer in every Big 10 game.
But do not sleep on the Radford Lady Highlanders. They’re back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1996 and they are hungry for their first win in the big dance. Radford won 26 games, a program record including a school record 17 Big South games. They also won their 10th Big South Tournament championship on Sunday, defeating Campbell.
Redshirt junior forward Lydia Rivers was named MVP of the tournament, finishing with 14 points and 14 rebound. That was her 15th double-double of the season which leads the conference. She averages 11.4 points per game and leads the Big South in rebounding with 10.4 rebounds per game. Radford is also led by Destinee Walker, who’s scored 20 or more points on six occasions including a career-high 26 points. She averages 13.9 points per game.
Maryland is coached by Brenda Frese while Radford is coached by Mike McGuire. Both coaches have done a fantastic job this season and each was recognized by peer coaches and media as Coach of the Year in their respective conferences.
Once again, tip-off is at 11 a.m. so set your alarm clocks!
Top photo: Frances Moyonero/The Diamondback
