March 5, 2010
Box Score |
Notes
GREENSBORO, N.C. -
Maryland's tenacious defense and ability to capitalize on No. 1 seeded Duke's turnovers kept the score tight but the Blue Devils pulled out a two-point win, 66-64.
Maryland led most of the half after grabbing the lead with a three-pointer from senior Lori Bjork followed by a jumper from sophomore Lynetta Kizer. Duke didn't score their 11th point until 10:56 remained on the clock.
The Terrapins went on a 10-0 run keyed by a three-pointer from freshman Jackie Nared. Sophomore Anjale Barrett hit two free-throws between layups from Kizer and sophomore Yemi Oyefuwa.
The score knotted at 26 with 6:18 on the clock. Bjork hit a three-pointer through double-coverage to pull Maryland ahead. In the next play, Duke inbounded the pass but freshman Tianna Hawkins stepped in front for the steal.
Maryland was just two possessions behind the Blue Devils at halftime.
The Blue Devils maintained a slight lead through the first minutes of the second half. Kizer cut it down to two when she stepped to the line and sank both shots. Duke registered two more field goals before Barrett hit a layup. Bjork followed with a three-pointer to bring the game back within two, 53-55.
The game tied for the fourth time after Kizer hit two big free throws. The Woodbridge, Va., native hit eight consecutive shots from the charity stripe against Duke.
Bjork went to the line as Maryland trailed by one with just under two and a half minutes remaining. The lone Terrapin senior was flawless to take back the lead, 63-62. Duke's Bridget Mitchell followed with two free throws to go ahead by one.
With one minute remaining Maryland trailed by a possession. A foul from Duke's Keturah Jackson put freshman Dara Taylor at the line with 37 seconds remaining. Taylor missed the first by made the second.
The Blue Devils missed the field goal on their next possession and Nared got the rebound. As the final seconds ticked off the clock Nared threw up the ball but it just missed as it bounced off the glass.
Four of Maryland's player finished with double-figure points, led by Kizer's 16. Barrett registered 15, Bjork posted 14 and Nared added 10.
Maryland outrebounded the Blue Devils, 29-28 and outscored them 29-10 off the bench. The Terps also capitalized on Duke's 20 turnovers with 25 points.
The two teams have alternated wins in the tournament the last five years. The Terrapins own the all-time series advantage in the ACC tournament against Duke, 6-5, and in neutral locations, 7-5. Maryland won in overtime in the championship game of last year's tournament, 92-89.
Maryland now awaits their selection in the NCAA Tournament which will take place on Monday, March 15 in the evening.
For more information on your Maryland Terrapins and their postseason play, visit umterps.com and MarylandWomensBasketball.com.
