Feb. 21, 2010
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DURHAM, N.C. -
Maryland went on an 11-0 run and held No.8/7 Duke without a field goal for seven minutes in the first half. The physicality that is expected in the major rivalry was there, but the veteran-laden Blue Devils came out on top, 71-59. The score tied nine times and the lead changed on seven occasions, five times in the first 20 minutes.
“I told the team in the locker room, I’m really proud of our young team,” head coach Brenda Frese said. “To have five freshmen and four sophomores come in here and battle the No. 7 team in the country the way we did, in terms of the physicality of the game, the aggressiveness, I’m proud of what they did.”
The young Maryland defense turned it on against the Blue Devils, holding them to just 35.5 percent from the field, their lowest production in seven games. The Terrapins also held Jasmine Thomas, Duke’s leading scorer to just four points a half. They also outrebounded the Blue Devils on offense and defense, just the fifth time this season and third time in conference play Duke has been outmuscled on the rebound.
Sophomore Lynetta Kizer pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds, a season-high eight offensive, to pair with 13 total points. Kizer’s double-double is the seventh of the season and 16th of her career. She now ranks second in the conference in double-doubles for the year.
Maryland’s biggest run came in the first half, keyed by a layup from freshman Tianna Hawkins. Three other Terps contributed to the scoring streak. Sophomore Anjale Barrett hit the go-ahead jumper after an assist from senior Lori Bjork. The Terrapins’ defense also played a huge part during that time, denying Duke any field goal for seven minutes as the Blue Devils went 0-for-9. Maryland also forced three turnovers, six in the first 13 minutes, and converted them into 11 points.
The team’s headed into the locker room with just three points separating the squads. Kizer knocked down the first shot of the second half to come within one of the Blue Devils. Each team played tight defense, applying the pressure to whoever had the ball. The score tied again four times and the lead swapped twice. A made free throw from Hawkins knotted the game at 47. The Blue Devils’ Keturah Jackson stole the ball and passed it off to Thomas. Thomas went up for the layup but was unaware of Maryland’s 6-3 freshman Diandra Tchatchouang who delivered a major block.
The score remained close but Duke had the final run and closed out the game at the free throw line.
Bjork led the Terrapins in scoring with 14 points while playing full-throttle for 38 minutes. As Maryland’s only senior, Bjork did what she did best, hitting a game high-tying four three pointers for her 18th double-figure scoring performance. Bjork was also perfect from the free throw line and added three assists and one steal.
Maryland outscored Duke inside the paint, 26-24, and in second chance points, 19-11. Karima Christmas led Duke in scoring with 25 points.
Maryland returns home in a week when they host Florida State on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on ESPN2. The Terrapins will recognize seniors Emery Wallace and Lori Bjork in the last home game of the season and final game of the regular schedule. Fans are encouraged to wear all red for the Maryland RED OUT. Fans should stay tuned to umterps.com for more a schedule of events and promotions regarding the game against the Seminoles.
Single-game ticket packages are available for purchase online at umterps.com or by calling the Terrapin Ticket Office at 1-800-IM-A-TERP.
-Go Terps-
