By Lila Bromberg

Kaila Charles led the 11th-ranked Maryland Terrapins (19-3, 8-1 Big Ten) to a dominant 88-60 victory over Rutgers (17-6, 5-4 Big Ten).

The sophomore, recently named the USBWA National Player of the Week, shot 69 percent from the floor for 22 points.

She has scored in double figures in 20 out of Maryland’s 22 games this season and added six rebounds, five assists and a block.

“She’s always ready to play,” head coach Brenda Frese said. “I thought she settled us in early where she gets us going. I know she’s always going to be ready to play from the tip. She’s our energy and then we can feed off of her. And again, she just continues to play with that kind of poise and confidence every time we step out onto the floor.”

Eleanna Christinaki also impressed with 20 points, as well as eight rebounds, six assists and a steal.

The other two Terps in double digits were Stephanie Jones with 16 points and Kristen Confroy with 11 points. Confroy didn’t miss a single shot on the night.

As a whole, Maryland shot 59 percent from the floor and 78 percent from behind the arc. They set the tone for scoring early, making all four of their first four shots in the opening minutes.

The Terps also had a strong defensive showing, holding Rutgers to a mere 35 percent throughout the matchup and outrebounded the Scarlet Knights 46 to 26.

Charles said the key to the team’s success on defense was “having each other’s back.”

“We had the help when we needed it, when we were beat. We were communicating,” she said.

The Terps face Nebraska in their next matchup on Feb. 4, the first of a three game road trip.

“I don’t look at home or on the road, we just have to be the most complete here in these next eight games to prepare us for March,” Frese said.