Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Minneapolis, MN–
Over the past few weeks, Terps Head Coach Brenda Frese has had her hands full just trying to find a way to win games. Today was another one of those where it appeared the Terps were down and out, but just as they have with other Big Ten opponents, they found a way to overcome another huge deficit and knock off #9 Illinois, 75-65 to move on to the next round of the Big Ten Tournament.
Down 14 points in the first quarter, the Terps used a strong performance by Bri McDaniel, who finished with 20 points.
“Just staying poised and being disciplined,” McDaniel said of the team’s mindset in a postgame interview on Big Ten Network. “We’ve shown it all year. That was our emphasis this year.”
The Terps got 11 points and eight assists from All-Big Ten first-team selection Shyanne Sellers, 14 points and eight rebounds from Jakia Brown-Turner, 13 points and six boards from Allie Kubek off the bench and 12 points, six rebounds and three assists from Brinae Alexander.
Illinois had 5 players in double figures today led by Makria Cook’s 18 points.
The Terps will have to do everything right tomorrow as they face the top ranked Ohio State Buckeyes at 12:30pm. If the Terps are able to make it over this huge mountain tomorrow, it may be the breaking point for the Terps finally having a team that will make some noise in the NCAA Tournament.
