No. 7 Maryland women’s basketball returned home from its most physical matchup of the season to likely its easiest. The Terps defeated Minnesota in double overtime after trailing by nine with just 45 seconds left. In contrast, Wednesday’s game against Delaware State was a dominant performance, as Maryland allowed its fewest points in team history in a commanding 91-21 win at the Xfinity Center.
Maryland (12-0, 1-0 Big Ten) leaned on non-typical starters in this matchup. Head coach Brenda Frese rested two of her stars, Addi Mack and Saylor Poffenbarger, both dealing with ankle injuries. Poffenbarger was even seen wearing a boot on her left foot. The duo had each played 48 minutes against Minnesota in the thrilling one-point victory.
The new starting five featured Kyndal Walker, Mir McLean, Oluchi Okananwa, Yarden Garzon, and Isi Ozzy-Momodu. McLean appears to be filling the role left by Kaylene Smikle, who announced she will be undergoing season-ending knee surgery. This adjustment highlights the importance of Maryland’s depth amid these unfortunate injuries.
The Terps came out strong with a 12-0 run to start the game. Garzon, who made a crucial three-pointer in the first overtime against Minnesota, continued her hot shooting by sinking her first two shots behind the arc and quickly scored eight points. Unlike many of her teammates, Garzon played the entire game without a break, showcasing the scoring talent Indiana recognized her for. She matched a team-high with 18 points on 50 percent shooting. Normally a facilitator with a team-high 39 assists this season, Garzon’s scoring presence was on full display.
Similarly, Okananwa saw limited rest and played well into the fourth quarter. The Duke transfer contributed 18 points and three steals, including an impressive steal and layup in the final minute of the third quarter that energized the team. Her speed and defensive presence were evident throughout the game.
Coach Frese also used this opportunity to experiment with her post players, rotating between Breanna Williams, Ozzy-Momodu, and Marya Boiko—three athletes who bring different looks and skill sets to the position. Williams noted after last week’s win over Mount St. Mary’s that this trio allows Maryland to adjust and match up effectively against various opponents.
Ozzy-Momodu posted her first double-double as a Terp after returning to the starting lineup for the first time since November 16 against Princeton. In the second quarter, Williams made a strong contribution by pulling up for a layup, drawing a foul for a three-point play, and adding her second three-pointer of the season. Boiko added her own flair with a reverse layup under the basket in the fourth quarter.
Looking ahead, Maryland has just one nonconference opponent remaining in their schedule—Central Connecticut State in nine days. With several key players sidelined, the Terps will need all the rest they can get for their stars. Their bench depth has been reduced by 20% due to season-ending injuries to Smikle, Lea Bartelme, and Ava McKennie, making the contributions from role players all the more critical as Maryland strives to maintain its undefeated record.
https://dbknews.com/2025/12/10/maryland-womens-basketball-score-recap-result-delaware-state/
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