Maryland Races Past Towson in Women’s Basketball Showdown
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Interstat) — In a display of offensive firepower and dominant rebounding, the Maryland Terrapins remained undefeated with an 88-70 victory over the visiting Towson Tigers in a non-conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at a lively Xfinity Center.
The Terrapins, improving to 4-0, seized control of the contest with a commanding second-quarter performance, outscoring the Tigers 28-10 to build a substantial halftime lead that Towson could not overcome despite a valiant second-half effort. The Tigers, who fell to an even 2-2, were led by a spectacular scoring display from India Johnston but ultimately could not match Maryland’s depth and efficiency.
Maryland’s offense operated with precision, scoring 88 points on just 80 possessions for an impressive offensive rating of 109.3. A significant factor in their success was a staggering 19-4 advantage in offensive rebounds, which led to numerous second-chance opportunities and stifled Towson’s ability to string together defensive stops.
The game began competitively, with Maryland holding a 23-13 edge after the first quarter. The floodgates opened in the second period, however, as the Terrapins embarked on a decisive run. Addi Mack, who orchestrated the offense with six assists, was instrumental during the stretch, finding open teammates and creating her own shots on her way to 15 points.
Towson’s offense stalled dramatically in the quarter, managing only 10 points as Maryland’s defensive pressure and control of the glass took its toll. The Terrapins entered the halftime break with a 51-23 advantage, a margin that proved insurmountable.
Emerging from the locker room, the Tigers displayed renewed energy. Led by the dynamic backcourt duo of Johnston and Thalia Shepard, Towson mounted a challenge in the third quarter, outscoring Maryland 23-17. Johnston, a guard from Bear, Delaware, was relentless, attacking the basket and finishing with a game-high 23 points. Shepard, from Boston, Massachusetts, complemented her with 20 points, including several three-pointers.
Despite the Tigers’ improved play, the Terrapins consistently answered every run. Maryland’s balance was on full display as five players scored in double figures. Alongside Mack’s 15, Oluchi Okananwa contributed 10 points and eight rebounds, Breanna Williams added 10 points off the bench, and Kaylene Smikle chipped in 13 points and five rebounds. Saylor Poffenbarger of Middletown, Maryland, provided a well-rounded stat line of eight points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks, anchoring the defense.
The Tigers continued to fight in the fourth quarter, scoring 24 points, but could never cut the deficit to a threatening margin. Maryland’s ability to score from all areas—shooting 47.8 percent from the floor and 46.7 percent from three-point range—kept Towson at bay. The Terrapins also capitalized on their trips to the free-throw line, making 15 of 20 attempts.
For Towson, Tilda Sjökvist of Huskvarna, Sweden, added nine points and five rebounds, while Hannah Dereje of Burtonsville, Maryland, contributed eight points and six rebounds. The Tigers shot 42.4 percent from the field but were hampered by 18 turnovers and their inability to secure defensive rebounds against Maryland’s relentless pursuit of the ball.
The announced attendance was 4,940 at Xfinity Center. Maryland now looks ahead to a home matchup against Princeton on Saturday. Towson returns to action Sunday to host Coppin State.