Preview:
Both Stanford and Maryland come into this "premier matchup" after disappointing outings, Stanford losing in a classic trap game to South Florida, and Maryland losing in their tournament opener to North Carolina State. Both teams can go home feeling somewhat good about themselves if they win this one. Maryland was shorthanded in their loss and looked pedestrian on defense, but managed 60 points behind the great 24 point performance of Angel Reese, a 6'3" sophomore forward. Ashley Owusu is a powerful 6' junior guard who was also in double digits. She took no treys and was 5/17, but also had 5 assists. Maryland played only one person from the bench for significant minutes--so I think we are much deeper than they are at this point, and I would anticipate rotating players against their stars and trying to wear them down by the fourth quarter.
A big unknown is the status of Maryland's star three point shooter, Katie Benzan, a grad student guard who has been out the last two games. Benzan hit 93/186 three point shots last year to lead the NCAAs with 50% three point shooting. Without her, the Maryland offense has looked quite different, although Maryland did manage to beat Baylor without her.
Both Stanford and Maryland come into this "premier matchup" after disappointing outings, Stanford losing in a classic trap game to South Florida, and Maryland losing in their tournament opener to North Carolina State. Both teams can go home feeling somewhat good about themselves if they win this one. Maryland was shorthanded in their loss and looked pedestrian on defense, but managed 60 points behind the great 24 point performance of Angel Reese, a 6'3" sophomore forward. Ashley Owusu is a powerful 6' junior guard who was also in double digits. She took no treys and was 5/17, but also had 5 assists. Maryland played only one person from the bench for significant minutes--so I think we are much deeper than they are at this point, and I would anticipate rotating players against their stars and trying to wear them down by the fourth quarter.
A big unknown is the status of Maryland's star three point shooter, Katie Benzan, a grad student guard who has been out the last two games. Benzan hit 93/186 three point shots last year to lead the NCAAs with 50% three point shooting. Without her, the Maryland offense has looked quite different, although Maryland did manage to beat Baylor without her.