Maryland Women’s Basketball Eyes Big Ten Dominance with 14-0 Start

The University of Maryland women’s basketball team is off to its best start in over a decade, winning 14 consecutive games to begin the 2023-24 season. Under the leadership of head coach Brenda Frese, the Terps have already defeated three ranked opponents: No. 11, No. 19, and No. 23 Iowa. The team’s next challenge comes Wednesday night when they host No. 4 and the nation’s top player in a nationally spotlighted game at the Xfinity Center.

Frese, who has built a culture of excellence at Maryland, didn’t mince words about last season’s disappointing first-round NCAA tournament exit. She responded with a flurry of offseason moves that have paid dividends so far. The Terps’ dynamic offense, ranked third in three-point shooting and field goal percentage in the Big Ten, has been a key factor in their success. They are also the best offensive rebounding team in the conference.

Leading the charge for Maryland is transfer Kaylene Smikle, who has emerged as the team’s top scorer with an average of 18.1 points per game on 50% shooting. Smikle’s improved three-point shooting and ability to score at all levels have taken pressure off teammates Shyanne Sellers and Bri McDaniel, who are thriving in secondary roles. McDaniel, in particular, has embraced a bench role, playing the sixth-most minutes on the team.

Frese’s deep roster and rotation, which includes 10 players receiving consistent minutes, stand in stark contrast to last year’s team, which struggled with bench consistency. More than half of the roster is made up of new additions, including UConn transfer and forward Allie Kubek, who have rotated in and out of the starting lineup.

The Terps’ defensive improvement has been equally impressive, with the team limiting opponents to 59.1 points per game, a 14-point improvement from last season. This is Frese’s best defensive unit since 2019, thanks in part to the rim protection provided by players like Poffenbarger and Christina Dalce, who both have defensive ratings of 76 or lower.

“Nothing’s set this season. We’re going to go with the players that are giving us the effort and the energy,” Frese said, emphasizing the team’s adaptability. Her strategy has resulted in a balanced attack and a defensive intensity that has been crucial in close games, including a recent win over Iowa.

With a deep rotation, elite offensive and defensive metrics, and a culture of excellence, Maryland looks poised to contend for the Big Ten title and make another deep run in the NCAA tournament. The Terps’ upcoming game against No. 4 will serve as a measuring stick for their championship aspirations.