2006 Maryland Title Decade's 'Best Game'
12/16/2009 7:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 16, 2009
SI Release | 2006 Box Score and Play-by-Play
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Sports Illustrated released its list of Women's College Basketball: Highlights and lowlights of the decade. Maryland's 2006 national championship game against conference rival Duke was named the "Best Game" in the last 10 years.
Kristi Toliver, a freshman at the time, hit one of the most critical and pivotal three-pointers of her career. Six seconds remained on the clock in regulation of the 2006 NCAA national championship game against Duke. The 5-foot-7 Toliver released the ball from behind the arc over Duke's 6-foot-7 center Alison Bales to force overtime.
The Terrapins had trailed the Blue Devils by 13 points with less than 15 minutes left to play in the second half. Toliver's impeccable shot gave Maryland the extra minutes they needed in overtime to defeat Duke. The Harrisonburg, Va., native stepped up again, this time to take the lead, with two made free-throws as 35 seconds remained in overtime. Two final free throws were made by Marissa Coleman to cap off the historic 78-75 victory.
The Terps' comeback tied as the second largest in tournament history. It was also just the second time the NCAA crown was won in extra minutes.
The Terrapins finished the season 6-0 when taking games into overtime.
Coleman was quoted at the end of the title game saying, "Overtime is OUR time." And it was.
