May 6, 2010
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
On Sunday - Mother's Day - ESPN Classic will honor three moms who coached NCAA Women's National Basketball national championship teams, including Maryland's own Brenda Frese. A replay of the title game from 2006 when Frese led Maryland to victory over Duke in overtime is to air at 2 p.m. ET.
Also being honored during the eight-hour marathon, which starts at noon, are Muffet McGraw and Pat Summitt. In 2001 McGraw coached Notre Dame to victory over Purdue at the championship and in 2008 Summitt guided Tennessee to a win over Stanford for the national crown.
Earlier this year Sports Illustrated released its list of Women's College Basketball: Highlights and lowlights of the decade. Maryland's 2006 national championship game against the Blue Devils 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.
