March 25, 2010
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The Terrapins fell, 77-64, in the Women's National Invitation Tournament Third Round to Providence Thursday night. Maryland finishes the year with its sixth straight 20-plus win season at 21-13.
After defeating their two previous teams by a combined 70 points, The Terps faced a strong Big East opponent in the Friars who finished the season with its best record since 1991-92 (21-9) behind All-Big East first team selection Chelsea Marandola.
Senior Lori Bjork drew first blood with a jumper a minute and a half in to the game. It was matched by a bucket from Providence's Brittany Dorsey but a jumper from freshman Dara Taylor pulled the Terps back in to the lead. Bjork again penetrated the basket with a layup helping her team to a 6-4 lead.
Maryland did what they do best and continued to outrebound the Friars. Sophomore center Lynetta Kizer registered seven in the first half, leading all players. The Terps have outmuscled all but four opponents under the basket this season and lead the Atlantic Coast Conference in rebounding margin (+9.3).
The teams headed to the locker room with an eight point spread, PC ahead 38-30.
Maryland didn't take the situation lightly as they came out firing in the second half. Freshman Tianna Hawkins hit a layup assisted by Kizer to help spark what would be an 8-0 run. Hawkins hit another jumper assisted this time by Taylor. The Terrapins' feisty defense forced a Providence turnover and converted it into three points after Bjork made one of her infamous shots from beyond the arc. Taylor capped the run off with a three of her own, bringing the Terps within one of the Friars.
Providence answered back with a run of its own and forced the Terps into making mistakes on the floor. Maryland went on another run, this time with seven straight points, after shots were made by Hawkins, sophomore Kim Rodgers and freshman Diandra Tchatchouang. The Friars pulled away in the final minute to advance themselves to the WNIT quarterfinals.
Maryland shot an impressive 52.1 percent from the field including eight three-pointers, six of which came from Bjork and Rodgers. The Terps finished with 30 rebounds to the Friars' 26 and outscored PC from the bench, 17-15.
Three Terps finished in double figures for the 12th time this season. Hawkins led the way with 14 points, Bjork had 13 and Kizer added 10. Kizer also recorded her 19th career double-double and 10th on the season with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Maryland only loses two players, one starter, heading in to next season. Senior Emery Wallace and Lori Bjork were honored in the game against Florida State a month ago on center court for their contributions to the program. The Terps add the No. 2 recruiting class to their now experienced four sophomores and five freshmen squad.
Stayed tuned to www.umterps.com and www.MarylandWomensBasketball.com for the latest updates on the Maryland Women's Basketball team.
