By: Chris Gharagozlo

While most students are home relaxing during their winter break, the Maryland’s women basketball team was traveling to Lincoln, Nebraska to play a decisive Big Ten Matchup against Nebraska.

This game held a little more meaning besides being an important Big Ten matchup as head coach Brenda Frese captured her 500th career win with a 81-63 win at Nebraska on Tuesday night. Frese has been coaching at Maryland for 17 seasons, so this game was very meaningful for the Maryland squad.

The first quarter was a very close one. It was a back-and-forth affair. The Terps came out to a 5-0 lead, but the Cornhuskers kept the first quarter very close. Everytime the Terps looked like they were about to pull away; the Cornhuskers would just sneak their way back in the game. The first quarter would finish with Maryland leading 26-23.

The second quarter would look a lot like the first quarter. Kaila Charles continued to be one of the most consistent players on this team as she finished with 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field. She continues to push the pace for the Terps, and lead their offensive attack. The Terps lead increased to six as the first half finished with a score of 43-37.

The third quarter is where Maryland broke away, as they extended their lead to double digits. Charles scored eight of her 19 points in the third quarter. Taylor Mikesell, Stephanie Jones and Blair Watson also finished in double figures to help propel Maryland to victory and give their head coach win No. 500.

After Maryland ran away with the game in the third quarter, they never looked back. The Cornhuskers’ efforts eventually slipped away. Maryland was firmly in control most of the game, and slowly but surely extended their lead. The final score was 81-63 and Maryland won big on Coach Frese’s big day.

The Terps travel back home to College Park as they prepare to welcome the Wolverines of Michigan on Saturday.