NCAA Tournament: Lady Terps Defeat Duke, Reach Elite Eight

A battle of old foes was in store for this Sweet 16 matchup between the Duke Blue Devils and Maryland Terrapins, a storied rivalry. Both teams have play-makers; and one in particular for the Maryland Terrapins, Laurin Mincy, seemed unstoppable coming out of the gate. The Terrapins were riding a 26-game winning streak and they were able to increase it to 27 with a win Saturday. They have solidified their spot in the Elite Eight. Dominant play on the boards and behind the three-point line was responsible.

We’re gonna do what we do which is we run, we run and we run. With our speed and with our power, it is going to be disastrous for them today, disastrous, you hear me? – Head Coach Brenda Frese

Maryland got on the board first thanks to their lone senior Mincy who got hot early from behind the three-point line and scored 15 points in the first half on 4-of-6 shooting. Duke was unable to contain her in the first half and Mincy’s play helped her team get a 31-23 halftime lead. Maryland’s defense was also something to marvel at as they forced two 24-second violations and continued to pressure the Blue Devils every chance they got.

The only thing that seemed to be off was Lexie Brown, as she struggled in the first half; she was 0-of-6 shooting but added four rebounds and two assists. Duke’s Elizabeth Williams had 10 points and six rebounds. There was not a big discrepancy on the boards between these two teams at halftime, 19-16 Maryland, so the game was physical early.

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Maryland’s Shatori Walker-Kimbrough in the second half put on a dominant performance as she scored 18 points on top of the six she had in the first. Despite Duke coming back and bringing Maryland’s lead within one, 42-41 with 12:51 to go in the game, two straight three-point shots made by Walker-Kimbrough and Brene Moseley gave the Lady Terps a 50-41 lead. They kept going, kept working and were rewarded with an Elite Eight birth in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.

Brenda Frese wanted her team to use their speed and power to dominate this game:

"“We’re gonna do what we do which is we run, we run and we run. With our speed and with our power, it is going to be disastrous for them today, disastrous, you hear me? Make, miss, it doesn’t matter. We do what we do.We do what we do; you demand excellence, you expect greatness and you go out and show them what Maryland basketball is all about.” More from The Baltimore WireWhat other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the StretchBaltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent WinsThe Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September RosterMaryland Football: Terps honor Jordan McNair, beat Longhorns 34-29"

They out-rebounded the Blue Devils 33-24 which includes an 11-6 advantage on the offensive glass.

Player of the Game: Shatori Walker-Kimbrough was without a doubt the player of the game in this matchup. Scoring 18 points in the second half to lead her team to victory exudes dominance. She scored 24 points total. She’s always been that kind of player that could take over games, and when her team needed her the most, she performed.

Maryland’s Elite Eight matchup is set:

Next: Maryland Football: Terps Looking for Package Deal for Class of 2016 Recruits

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NCAA Tournament: Lady Terps Reach Elite Eight after Win vs Duke

By Anthony Brown | Mar 28, 2015