Box Score COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Freshman
Shakira Austin posted a double-double and junior
Stephanie Jones tallied 18 points as the Maryland women's basketball team defeated Kutztown, 90-63 in its first exhibition contest of the season.
Austin finished with 15 points and 10 boards in her first collegiate contest. Jones was efficient from the field all afternoon, finishing the day shooting 8-12 from the floor.
"I thought our newcomers showed some pretty incredible things today," head coach
Brenda Frese said. "I thought they showed the impact they will have on our team this season. Obviously we're excited to have
Blair Watson back. Just feeling her presence on the court and seeing where she's at in her recovery process is phenomenal. There's a lot of room for improvement, but when you get the first game under your belt, I think it's a positive to be able to move forward."
Maryland ended the day with four scorers in double figures. Along with Austin and Jones, junior
Kaila Charles and freshman
Taylor Mikesell added 14 and 16 points respectively.
The Terps got out to a strong start, pounding the ball inside to take the early advantage. Austin and Jones closed out the first quarter with six points a piece, giving Maryland the 19-12 lead after the opening 10 minutes of play.
Maryland then extended its lead in the second quarter behind a balanced offensive attack. The Terrapins carried a 42-24 edge heading into the locker room, with Austin tallying 11 points, five rebounds and three assists in the opening half.
The Terrapins kept the pressure on in the second half and cruised to the 90-63 win.
Channise Lewis orchestrated a Maryland offense that finished the day with 19 assists. The sophomore guard led the way with six, while Mikesell added five. Maryland also played well on the defensive end, forcing 18 Kutztown turnovers.
Maryland will be back in action on Friday, Nov. 2, hosting Clarion in its final exhibition game of the season. Tip-off from the XFINITY Center is slated for 6 p.m.
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