Just as Maryland finished 2024 a perfect 12. The Lady Terps started 2025 with a victory in conference play against Rutgers. The Terrapins are currently 3-0 as they defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 78-61 and are currently 13-0 on the season. This is the 2nd best season start; the last time was 2006 (national championship) when they started 18-0 that year.
Here are the takeaways…
This game had some chippy moments.
While some may have seen this as a revenge game for Kaylene Smikle… this was just another basketball game for the ladies. There were some moments, for example, when Kiyomi McMiller made a buzzer beat to end the first quarter and gave a you can’t see me gesture toward the Maryland bench. Kaylene Smikle and Lisa Thompson were both given technical fouls in the 2nd quarter. However, Maryland’s energy from the first quarter was a significant factor in the victory.
39:27
Rutgers had a lead for 18 seconds…. That is right…18. Maryland controlled the pace and tempo of the game for 39:27. Credit Maryland’s defense as they made it tough for Rutgers offensively as there were only two scorers in double figures [Destiny Adams & Kiyomi McMiller].
Contributions
The Terrapins had everyone in on the victory, but the stat sheet might not be perfect. 50 total rebounds, 15 team assists, 11 team steals, and 19 turnovers. Shyanne Sellers had a season-high of 22 points, with Allie Kubek scoring 17 in the victory. Maryland, for the 13th straight game, the bench has contributed 20 or more points. With a bench that is now limited due to injuries, as the Big Ten Conference play continues, players like Mir Mclean, Ava McKennie, Bri McDaniel, Allie Kubek, and Amari DeBerry will be asked to step up in situations where it might get dicey.
Rutgers will Grow
The Scarlet Knights are a young team led by third-year coach Coquese Washington. The Big Ten is a tough conference, and there is much to grow from as a program. Thursday’s game was an example of that. There will be moments of frustration as a team, such as foul trouble, inconsistency, and understanding there are better teams than you. But how you respond is key. The Scarlet Knight has potential, and it will come together for them. Kiyomi McMiller, a Maryland native, has some growing to do, but it will be something special to watch. Destiny Adams is a post player that can hurt you on both sides of the ball.
More Big Ten Play Maryland has six more Big Ten matchups, not including the Coretta Scott King tournament matchup against Texas as a non-conference opponent. The Terps are on the road as they take on No.23 Iowa on Sunday. After that, No. 4 USC, Wisconsin, Minnesota, No. 10 Ohio State, No. 1 UCLA, and lastly, Penn State. Maryland is a resilient team and is ready for the moment. The schedule in between games is something to watch. There are 3 days in between, except for the game against Texas.
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