Maryland Women’s Basketball Faces Must-Win Versus Michigan on Monday Night

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The No. 21 Maryland Terrapins are desperate for a win as they prepare to host the Michigan Wolverines on February 17, 2025. After suffering an embarrassing 91-71 defeat against Nebraska last Thursday, the Terps find themselves at a crucial juncture in their season, needing to regain momentum during the final stretch of regular-season play.

Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. ET at the XFINITY Center, with the game being televised on the Big Ten Network. The matchup comes as both teams enter the game with a 9-5 record in Big Ten play, each vying for a secure position in the NCAA Tournament.

Michigan is riding high on a four-game winning streak, featuring impressive performances, including a recent victory over No. 22 Michigan State. The Wolverines, coached by Kim Barnes Arico, are 11-2 at home but only 5-3 on the road this season.

“We’ve been playing really well lately, and our confidence is building,” said Barnes Arico. “Maryland is a formidable opponent, but we need to focus on our game plan and execute well.”

Leading the way for Michigan is freshman guard Olivia Olson, who averages 16.0 points per game and boasts a shooting percentage of 47.7% from the field. Olson is supported by fellow rookie Syla Swords, contributing an average of 15.2 points per game. The Wolverines are the third-best three-point shooting team in the Big Ten, with a 35.8% percentage from beyond the arc.

On the other side, the Terps must find solutions following Thursday’s disheartening loss. The team struggled offensively, with only one double-digit scorer in Shyanne Sellers, who finished with 23 points. Maryland head coach Brenda Frese emphasized the need for a collective team effort.

“We cannot rely on one player,” Frese stated. “Each of our starters needs to step up and play their role effectively” if the Terps hope to secure a win against a talented Michigan squad.

Maryland boasts a solid home record of 9-4, but recent disappointments, such as a one-point loss to Illinois, hinder their confidence. As they look ahead to the important showdown, the Terps will need a concerted effort from players like Saylor Poffenbarger, Kaylene Smikle, and Allie Kubek to complement Sellers.

The upcoming game serves as an opportunity for the Terps to bounce back, not only for their record but also to regain the faith of their fans as the NCAA Tournament approaches. Maintaining composure and executing their game strategy will be crucial for success against the eager Wolverines.

As the teams clash on the court, several key factors will determine the outcome. Maryland’s performance must align with their offensive capabilities, while Michigan will look to avoid foul trouble that has plagued their game at times this season.

Fans are set for an exciting evening as two strong programs battle for dominance in a pivotal Big Ten showdown.