The No. 17 Maryland Women’s Basketball fell short in the first big test of the 2022-23 campaign, losing 81-56 to No. 1 South Carolina.
The Terps were without both Diamond Miller and Emma Chardon due to injuries, compounding the team’s height disadvantage compared to the Gamecocks. South Carolina rebounded Maryland with his 55-for-32, and in the paint he scored 40 points and had an 18-second chance to add his points.
“I loved the crowd and the atmosphere,” said head coach Brenda Freese. “And this is why our players come here to play in games like this. Like I told them in the locker room, I’m going to learn a lot about myself in this game. It really felt… and we’re starting two games with an almost completely new roster.”
Maryland got off to a strong start with relentless energy on the defensive end, forcing turnovers and bad shots, trying to minimize the impact of All-American Aaliyah Boston. As things progressed, with Maryland failing to shoot on offense, South Carolina climbed to the lead, eventually gaining a 19–12 advantage in the first quarter.
In the second frame, the Terps were able to apply more pressure, but sank their shots on offense, shooting 33.3% and holding the Gamecocks to just 21.1%. Senior Abby Myers stepped up in Miller’s absence and scored 16 points in the first half, helping to lead the Terps to a 6-point deficit at the half.
“We saw a lot of really positive things, especially in the first half,” said Freese. “I told them in the locker room that, in my opinion, they were walking six points behind the defending national champion at halftime.” [that] We have a better roster than last year. They are deeper, longer, more athletic, and more playful. I thought our kids did a great job executing their game plan. “
The second half was where the situation in Maryland began to unravel. Freshman Briana McDaniel was sentenced to a foul and there was a moment when she exchanged words with South Carolina’s Kiera Fletcher. Offset technicals went to McDaniel and Fletcher, and Cardoso had an extra technical, but Myers only sunk one free throw.
“You don’t normally like to look at technicals, but in this case I have to take it,” said Freese. “I mean the two freshmen aren’t really ready to back down. They haven’t seen it in a long time. So they’re going to learn their composure and what they need.”
That spark was all South Carolina needed to start running things away, even though Maryland’s Best Shooting Quarter came in third. The Gamecocks extended their lead to 19 points by the end of the third period, all but ending the Terps’ hopes.
“I think we got it,” Boston said. “It didn’t work out in the first quarter, but I just figured out extra passes, extra ball movement, crashing the board. increase.”
Sophomore Shyanne Sellers got into foul trouble early in the fourth, but was allowed to play on and hit her best shot. She eventually fouled out and injured her ankle, but was back on the bench before the game ended, and Brynne Alexander also fouled out in the closing stages, keeping Maryland out of things on a limited rotation. has become even more difficult to advance.
Myers led the Terp with 21 points and 6 rebounds, making him the only Terp to reach double figures. Boston finished with 16 points and led the Gamecocks with 13 rebounds. In all he had four Gamecocks score his double digits. Because Maryland dared not let other teams participate and run the game fully in Boston.
“I think basketball is definitely a streaky game,” Myers said. “I applaud South Carolina, their defense is great. , applauds South Carolina for its excellent defense in the second half.
Maryland will be back on court at 1pm Sunday as the Terps take on Fordham at the Xfinity Center. The next big test will be his November 20th, when Maryland will face the No. 18 Baylor in Waco.
