WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, the No. 7 Maryland Terrapins overcame a tough start to secure a 78-69 win against Purdue, thanks in part to Saylor Poffenbargar’s impressive performance, which included 17 points and 13 rebounds. Bri McDaniel emerged as a vital contributor off the bench, adding 16 points to the team’s efforts.
Maryland also saw contributions from Kaylene Smikle, who scored 13 points, and Shyanne Sellers, who added 12. Christina Dalce made her presence felt as well, recording a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. For Purdue, Rashunda Jones led the team with 17 points, while Reagan Bass and Destini Lombard contributed 16 and 15 points respectively, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the win as the Boilermakers fell to 5-4 on the season.
The game started poorly for the Terrapins as they struggled offensively, managing to hit only 2 of their 17 attempts in the first quarter. This early shooting slump allowed Purdue to seize control of the game, leading by as much as 16 points during the second quarter. By halftime, the Boilermakers held a 38-29 lead, having shot 52% from the field while restricting Maryland to just 29%.
However, the tide began to turn in the third quarter when McDaniel nailed a pull-up jumper with 2:24 remaining, marking the Terrapins’ first lead at 48-46, part of an 8-0 scoring surge. By the end of the third quarter, Maryland had gained a slim lead of 55-52.
Purdue managed to equalize at 55, but Maryland quickly responded with a decisive 6-0 run, allowing them to regain control of the game for good. A critical moment occurred when Poffenbargar, after a rebound, ignited this scoring run with a basket.
A significant statistic from the game was Maryland’s impressive shooting percentage in the second half, where they converted 63% of their attempts. After struggling from beyond the arc in the first half with a mere 2 of 12, the Terrapins managed a much-improved 6 of 21 in the second half.
Looking ahead, Maryland will enjoy a brief respite before hosting William & Mary on December 19. Meanwhile, Purdue is gearing up to face Kentucky on December 14.
