No. 14 Maryland women’s basketball wins 22nd consecutive home opener with victory over Towson

Photo Courtesy to Towson University

Dating back to the 1999-2000 season, the Terps have now won 22 consecutive home openers and 47 overall at the Xfinity Center. Thursday’s victory also marked the second time Maryland (3-1) has scored 100 points this season in the first four games. Maryland dominated Towson on both ends of the floor en route to a commanding 112-78 victory. 

The Terps shot a scorching 60.6% from the field and 67.7% from beyond the arc. Led by sophomore guard Diamond Miller, sophomore guard Ashley Owusu and guard Katie Benzan. Maryland’s success from behind the arc made history, as the Terps knocked down 21 threes, which is the most in a game in Big Ten history and tied for the eighth most in NCAA history. 

“This win speaks to the talent and the depth we have here with so many weapons,” head coach Brenda Frese said. “We have so many weapons and a lot of flexibility and terrific response by this team.”

Both Miller and Owusu had career nights against the Tigers. Miller scored a career-high 28 points, while she also grabbed nine  rebounds and shot an impressive 71% from beyond the arc. Owusu also scored a career-high 25 points as she added seven rebounds and two steals with seven rebounds and two steals.

“Tonight I came out with a lot of confidence and was just sharing the ball to give ourselves opportunities,” Owusu said. “When we share the ball we’re a really good team and we already know we have shooters and they all came through tonight,” Miller added.

Although the Terps shined bright in tonight’s win, it came at a price as freshman phenom guard Angel Reese left the game in the first quarter with an apparent ankle injury and did not return. She will be further evaluated and there is no time table on her return to action, according to coach Frese. 

“We tried some different lineups tonight and it’s an incredible opportunity for some of our players like [Mimi Collins] and [Faith Masonius],” Frese said. “There will be times when there are four guards where we’ll have to ask Diamond to stay out of foul trouble and play 40 minutes.”

With Saturday’s game against Coppin State cancelled the Terps will host Mount St. Mary’s on Tuesday. Maryland is still searching for an opponent to replace, the cancellation against Coppin State. After those two contests, Maryland begins conference play as they’re scheduled to face Rutgers (1-0) Dec. 14.