Maryland won the regular season Big Ten with aspirations of winning a National Title. On Sunday night they walked into Women’s Big Ten Championship game against Ohio State with all of the in the world. They were winners of 16 consecutive games. The streak tied for the 4th best in the country and the best in the Conference by far. That red-hot streak continued with an 82-65 victory over the Buckeyes to claim their 5th Big Ten title in 6 seasons.
In the first quarter Ohio State gave Maryland a reason to focus on the task at hand by grabbing an early lead and maintaining it throughout the opening period. The Buckeyes shot 50 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point land and had a 22-20 lead after the first period.
The Terrapins turned up the defensive intensity in the second and third quarters holding the Buckeyes below 30 percent from the field in both periods. On the offensive end, Freshman guard Ashley Owusu facilitated the offense like an upperclassman scoring from all areas of the floor. She put her teammates in great scoring positions as they create incredible pace. Coach Brenda Frese was not surprised one bit by the tournament MVP’s performance. “She was undaunted,” said Frese.
She went on to say, “ No moment is too big for her. I mean, she was the engine that made us go and really made plays for so many players. You know, obviously that was why she was the most valuable player.”
Maryland led by as much as 22 points in the 4th before winning by 15. Shooting above 45 percent from three and the field became a major key to their large margin of victory while holding the Buckeyes under 40 percent in both categories.
Coach Frese and the Terps are projected to be a No.2 seed in the Women’s NCAA Basketball tournament. This will give them favorable opponents leading all the way until the round of eight. It will not be a surprise if Maryland is contending for a title in early April.
“I mean, the season has prepared us for what lies ahead, so conference schedule, now the Big Ten Tournament, we’re definitely excited for what lies ahead.”
The women’s selection show will be Monday March 16th at 7pm on ESPN.