COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Interstat) — The Maryland Terrapins used a dominant first half to build a substantial lead and then held off a persistent Towson Tigers squad for an 88-70 victory in a nonconference women’s basketball game Thursday night at a near-empty Xfinity Center.

Playing before an announced crowd of 4,940, the Terrapins (4-0) exploded for 51 points in the opening half, taking a 51-23 lead into the break. The Tigers (2-2), however, refused to capitulate, outscoring Maryland 47-37 in the second half but never seriously threatening the home team’s commanding advantage.

The game was ultimately decided by Maryland’s overwhelming efficiency and control of the glass. The Terrapins scored 88 points on just 80 possessions, translating to an elite offensive rating of 109.3. Towson, by contrast, managed only 70 points on 84 possessions, an offensive rating of 83.1. Maryland also crushed the Tigers on the boards, securing a staggering 19 offensive rebounds compared to Towson’s 4, leading to numerous second-chance opportunities.

Despite the lopsided score for much of the contest, Towson’s backcourt duo of India Johnston and Thalia Shepard provided a consistent offensive spark. Johnston, a 5-foot-8 guard from Bear, Delaware, led all scorers with 23 points, adding four rebounds and three assists in 35 minutes. Shepard, a 5-9 guard from Boston, Massachusetts, contributed 20 points and two assists.

Maryland’s attack was more balanced, with five players scoring in double figures. Addi Mack, a 5-9 guard from Minneapolis, Minnesota, orchestrated the offense with 15 points and a game-high six assists. Kaylene Smikle, a 6-foot guard from Bay Shore, New York, also scored 15 points and grabbed five rebounds. The Terrapins’ frontcourt presence was felt through Oluchi Okananwa (10 points, 8 rebounds), Breanna Williams (10 points) and Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu (8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks).

The Terrapins set the tone early, closing the first quarter on a 12-2 run to lead 23-13. The second quarter was even more decisive, as Maryland outscored Towson 28-10, fueled by efficient shooting and forced turnovers. The Tigers found their rhythm after halftime, scoring 23 points in the third quarter and 24 in the fourth, but the first-half deficit was too large to overcome.

Maryland shot 47.8% from the field (33 of 69) and an efficient 46.7% from three-point range (7 of 15). Towson finished at 42.4% shooting (28 of 66) but struggled from beyond the arc, making only 6 of 22 attempts (27.3%). Both teams were careless with the ball, with Maryland committing 21 turnovers and Towson giving it away 18 times.

The win keeps Maryland undefeated early in the season, while Towson sees its two-game winning streak snapped. Maryland is scheduled to host Princeton on Saturday. Towson will return home to face Coppin State on Sunday.