In an intense showdown in College Park, Maryland, Sarah Te-Biasu and Kaylene Smikle ignited a pivotal 12-2 run in the fourth quarter, guiding fourth-seeded Maryland to an 82-69 victory over 13th-seeded Norfolk State. This triumph secured Maryland a spot in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face fifth-seeded Alabama with hopes of advancing to the Sweet 16.
The Terrapins (24-7) faced a formidable challenge against Norfolk State (30-5), a team that entered the game riding a remarkable 19-game winning streak. Despite the stiff competition, Maryland managed to pull away in the fourth quarter due to clutch performances from Te-Biasu and Smikle, who stepped up with key baskets, creating a cushion for the Terrapins when they needed it most.
Reflecting on the performance, Smikle emphasized the importance of maintaining composure during the game. “I think one thing we focused on was calming down,” she noted. “In the first half, many of our shots were rushed or we weren’t moving effectively. We just weren’t playing our basketball.”
Te-Biasu concluded the night with a commendable 22 points, while Smikle contributed 21. Norfolk State’s Kierra Wheeler provided a strong showing with 20 points, leading her team.
Norfolk State came out strong, scoring the first seven points of the game and holding a 32-30 lead at halftime. However, Te-Biasu initiated a 30-point third quarter for Maryland with two crucial 3-pointers. The Spartans struggled with fouls, particularly on 3-point shooters, allowing the Terrapins to make 12 consecutive free throws in this period, which enabled Maryland to enter the fourth quarter with an eight-point lead.
After the game, Norfolk State coach Larry Vickers expressed disappointment in the fouls and felt his team deserved greater respect. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the mental errors made by his players. “Even though we were scoring, we gave up 30 points, which is uncharacteristic for us,” Vickers remarked. “I don’t believe the moment was too big for us, but I do think we were a bit undisciplined.”
As the game progressed, a couple of swift Norfolk State baskets prompted Maryland coach Brenda Frese to call a timeout with the score at 60-56 and 8:36 remaining. The timeout shifted momentum as Te-Biasu and Smikle combined for a series of crucial 3-pointers, extending Maryland’s lead and putting pressure back on the Spartans, who then had to call a timeout of their own.
From Norfolk State’s perspective, the team showcased their potential as the highest seed they’ve achieved in the tournament. They set the pace early on and continued to fight back each time Maryland tried to increase their lead despite being hindered by fouls in the second half.
For Maryland, avoiding turnovers was key after 12 mishaps during the first half. They managed to rectify their ball-handling issues in the final quarters, helping them avoid a potential upset against Norfolk State’s aggressive defense. “It took longer than I anticipated,” Frese reflected. “It required a full 20 minutes and halftime to reset, but I’m hopeful we can get back to playing the way we’re accustomed to as we move forward.”
A significant factor in Maryland’s victory was their impressive shooting performance from beyond the arc, as they made 6 of 9 attempts in the second half, a vital contribution that safeguarded them from an upset.
Looking ahead, Maryland will aim for their 12th Sweet 16 appearance under Coach Frese, keeping their tournament aspirations alive as they prepare for the next round.
