January 15, 2025

No. 8 Maryland Tops No. 24 Minnesota in Thrilling Contest

News Summary

In a thrilling women’s basketball matchup, the No. 8 Maryland Terrapins secured a hard-fought victory over the No. 24 Minnesota Gophers, winning 99-92. Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers led the charge with 27 points, while Kaylene Smikle contributed 19. The game featured 14 lead changes and a dramatic comeback attempt by Minnesota, which reduced a 20-point deficit to just three in the final seconds. Despite the Gophers’ late surge and foul troubles, Maryland maintained composure at the free-throw line, clinching their eighth straight win over Minnesota and moving to an impressive 16-1 record.

Excitement in College Park as No. 8 Maryland Edges Out No. 24 Minnesota in High-Scoring Showdown

The electric atmosphere of College Park, Maryland, was palpable last night as the No. 8 Terrapins faced off against the No. 24 Gophers in a nail-biting women’s basketball game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. After a rollercoaster of emotions, Maryland triumphed with a final score of 99-92, marking an impressive victory during a critical segment of their season.

High-Scoring Performances Galore

Leading the charge for Maryland was Shyanne Sellers, who dazzled on the court, scoring a season-best 27 points. Sellers’ agile moves and accurate shots were a treat to watch. Not far behind her was Kaylene Smikle, who added 19 points to the score, helping push the Terrapins to a strong offensive performance.

Throughout the game, both teams traded baskets, leading to a thrilling first half that saw 42-37 in favor of Maryland at the break. The rhythm of the game shifted frequently with an astonishing 14 lead changes and six ties, captivating the audience with each twist and turn.

Sweating it Out at the Finish Line

20 points. However, Minnesota staged a remarkable comeback, closing the gap with an exhilarating 16-0 run that got them within striking distance. Just 20 seconds before the final buzzer, the Gophers found themselves trailing by only three points at 95-92—a heart-stopping moment that had fans from both sides holding their breath.

The game turned even more intense as Minnesota fouled strategically in an attempt to regain possession, leading to five players fouling out and a staggering total of 25 fouls committed by the Gophers. Despite this late-game drama, Maryland remained composed, going a perfect 21-for-21 at the free-throw line, which proved incredibly crucial to their win.

A Turning Point for Both Teams

With the victory, Maryland improved to an impressive 16-1 record, including 6-1 in the Big Ten, while Minnesota’s record dropped to 16-2 with a 4-2 tally in the conference. This win not only marked the Terrapins’ eighth consecutive victory over the Gophers but also set a solid tone as they head into a challenging stretch of games against four ranked opponents. The game felt especially pivotal in the context of Big Ten standings and the momentum each team sought to carry forward.

Injury and Rebounds

In the thick of the action, Maryland’s Bri McDaniel suffered a right knee injury, a heartbreaking moment for both her and the fans. However, it was encouraging to see Maryland regroup after being out-rebounded in the first half, managing to outpace Minnesota 17-9 in that department during the second half. Such resilience showcases the strength and determination of Brenda Frese’s squad.

Looking Ahead

As the dust settles on this thrilling clash, Maryland not only secures bragging rights but also underlines their status as a formidable contender in the Big Ten. With a newfound confidence and a perfect free-throw performance behind them, the Terrapins are ready to face their next challenges head-on.

The irreplaceable experience of a packed arena cheering on their home team made for an incredible evening of basketball that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Fans are already eager for the next game, where Maryland will continue to defend their spot against the best teams in the nation!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.