No. 8 Maryland Women’s Basketball Overcomes Adversity to Defeat Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Despite being shorthanded, the No. 8 Maryland women’s basketball team showcased resilience in an 83-68 victory over Wisconsin on Saturday. The Terps were without starters Saylor Poffenbarger due to illness and Sarah Te-Biasu due to left ankle soreness, but they managed to dominate the fourth quarter to secure the win.

Head coach Brenda Frese praised her team’s effort, stating, “We figured today would be a battle, with us losing two starters. This group found a way to win. Sometimes, that’s what it takes on the road.” The Terps were led by Bri McDaniel and Shyanne Sellers, who each scored 21 points, while Kaylene Smikle added 18 and Christina Dalce contributed 15.

Maryland started strong, building an early lead, but Wisconsin stayed competitive, thanks to standout performances from Serah Williams, who scored 24 points, and Lily Krahn, who added 16. The Badgers even took a brief lead in the third quarter, but Maryland responded with a 9-0 run to regain control.

The fourth quarter proved decisive as the Terps went on a 14-0 run, forcing eight turnovers and holding Wisconsin to just eight points in the final frame. McDaniel was instrumental during this stretch, scoring a season-high 21 points and leading the charge. “Bri single-handedly led us to a 14-0 run,” Frese said.

Maryland’s dominance on the boards was also a key factor, as they outrebounded Wisconsin 40-21 and outscored them 54-20 in the paint. The Terps improved to 14-1 overall and 4-1 in the Big Ten, while Wisconsin fell to 10-7 and 1-5 in conference play.

Maryland will return home to face Minnesota on Tuesday, while Wisconsin hosts No. 10 Ohio State on Thursday.