Maryland Captures BiG Ten Title, NCAA Bid

Maryland Overcomes First Quarter Deficit to Win

written by: Steven Stremming

photos by: Rick McIntyre, Excel Sports Publications/McIntyre Imaging

The Maryland Terrapins 27-4, the number one seed in the BiG Ten Women’s Basketball Conference Championship presented by SoFi came into the championship game against Ohio State with a purpose lay claim to the trophy and the automatic bid.

    

photos by: Rick McIntyre, Excel Sports Publications/McIntyre Imaging

Ohio State, 21-11, had the same intentions but this time as a underdog and yes, the Cinderella slipper firmly on their feet.

Ohio State and Maryland went toe to toe in the first quarter as both teams traded baskets and it didn’t end until the quarter break with the Buckeyes up 22 to 20.

Ohio State’s biggest lead of the game happened during the quarter when they achieved a five point cushion before the Terrapins came rushing back to close the gap.

From that point forward Maryland would open a lead they would never surrender.

Maryland outscored Ohio State in the second quarter with a 24 to 13 output.

Maryland would extend their lead throughout until the margin reached 22 at 1:30 in the fourth quarter.

     

photos by: Rick McIntyre, Excel Sports Publications/McIntyre Imaging

Maryland once again used a balanced game with five players scoring double figures led by Stephanie Jones with 18 points and ten boards. Supporting Jones were Ashley Owusu with 17 points, six boards, 11 assists and three blocks, Shakira Austin provided 14 points and eight boards, Taylor Mikesell added 11 points and four steals and Blair Austin 11 points and six boards.

photos by: Rick McIntyre, Excel Sports Publications/McIntyre Imaging

Maryland shot 47% percent for the game on 31 of 66 shooting from the field while Ohio State shot 37.9% percent on 25 of 66 attempts.

Ohio State was led by Dorka Juhasz with 20 points, Kierstan Bell added 13 and Jacy Sheldon added 11.

photos by: Rick McIntyre, Excel Sports Publications/McIntyre Imaging

Braxtin Miller and Bell led the Buckeyes with five assists along with Madison Greene.

All Tournament Team: Ali Patberg, Jr., G, Indiana, Stephanie Jones, Sr., F, Maryland, Ashley Owusu, Fr., G, Maryland, Naz Hillmon, So., F, Michigan and Dorka Juhász, So., F, Ohio State

Jim & Kitty Delany Most Outstanding Player: Ashley Owusu, Fr., G, Maryland

 

Officials: Mark Zentz, Felicia Ginter and Gina Cross.

Championship Game Attendance: 4, 687