After a lackluster performance against the Missouri State Lady Bears, No. 12 Maryland rebounded in a big way tonight as they put up a record-setting 41 points in the third quarter beating Arkansas 115-96.
The Terps 115 points are the most ever against a ranked opponent in program history, breaking the previous record of 104 points against Virginia in 1989, according to Maryland athletics. It’s also the most points Maryland has scored against a Power Five opponent since beating Wake Forest, 117-53, in 1980.
On Sunday, five Terps finished in double figures including sophomore guard Diamond Miller,
forward Chloe Bibby, forward Angel Reese, guard Katie Benzan and guard Ashley Owusu.
Entering Sunday’s contest, Bibby struggled from the field shooting 25%. However, Sunday was a different story as Bibby soared to new heights as she shot 66% from the field and a blistering 71% from behind the arc.
Despite Saturday’s loss against No. 24 Missouri State, the Terps bounce-back victory is a testament to the team’s character and pride.
“We’re obviously still young and getting used to playing with one another, but I thought they trusted the system today,” head coach Brenda Frese said. “I thought we played hard putting a 40-minute game together against a really veteran led and experienced team, which is going to bode well for the future.”
Maryland’s record-setting offensive performance can be attributed to its hot shooting as the Terps shot 51.3% from the field overall and 51.6% from behind the arc. Both Bibby and Benzan, a graduate transfer from Harvard, combined to make 13 of Maryland’s 16 made threes.
“We’re shooters; if we’re open we’re going to take the shot,” Bibby said. “Make or miss I’m going to keep shooting.”
Benzan tied the single game record for most three-point field goals made in program history.
“This is a very cool feat,” Benzan said. “I actually didn’t even know that was the record. But honestly I was just focused on winning and doing my part to help my team earn a victory.”
Although Sunday’s impressive win revolved around the various records that were shattered, the Terps are focused on their long-term goals and playing unselfish basketball.
“This team is very capable with a ton of fire power,” Frese said. “You can see on our team every single player can score the basketball. So the biggest thing for us is to share the basketball. It’s evident we are at our most dangerous when we are unselfish and don’t force tough shots.”
The Terps (2-1) will head home to College Park and host their next three games at the Xfinity Center against non-conference opponents. On Dec. 3 the Terps will welcome Towson (1-0) who haven’t played since Nov. 25 in a 89-81 win over East Carolina.
