Maryland women's basketball suffered their worst loss of the season to Texas
Maryland junior guard Kaylene Smikle (2), 15 points, fighting her way through Texas’ Shay Holle (10) and Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda (32). (Courtesy of University of Maryland Athletics)
NEWARK, NJ - No. 8 Maryland Terrapins(16-2, 5-1) women’s basketball was hooked by the No. 7 Texas Longhorns (18-2, 4-1), 51-89 in the inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic at the Prudential Center Monday night.
This was the first time a member of the King family has been “licensed for a sporting event” according to the Prudential Center website.
The event was named after King for her tireless work alongside her husband and creating The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta in honor of his work.
“Think about her bravery every day, knowing that when he [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.] walked out the door and knowing what his passion was, what he was trying to get done in the world at a time when the world was fighting it, think about her bravery,” said the head coach of Texas women’s basketball team, Vic Schaefer. “We wouldn’t have done anything on this day other than play in this event on this day and to me, it was really an honor.”
Maryland dug their hole early, allowing Texas to get out to a 5-15 lead in the first quarter. That grave got deeper and their injury woes continued as the game progressed.
Shay Holle, who finished with 12 points and three assists, opened up the scoring drive for Texas with a quick three-pointer to start their offense. Holle was recently named the winningest player in NCAA Texas history. She notched 126 wins in just 151 games. The Longhorns are now 121-31 when Holle plays and 61-13 when she starts
Maryland’s Allie Kubek kept things close by scoring a one-and-one, bringing the score to 3-6. However, Longhorns' Madison Booker became the Terps kryptonite.
Booker finished with 28 points, three assists, four rebounds and two steals. She was the leading scorer for both teams in the contest. Her jumper connected perfectly with her form, elbow extending just enough to have the basketball connect gracefully with the rim.
The sophomore out of Mississippi captured her season high, just two points shy of beating her career high. She had 29 points against Oklahoma in her freshman season with the Longhorns.
“I think I learned a lot of things, more maturity, like on a court,” said Booker. Last season, senior guard Rori Harmon’s season ended due to an ACL injury she sustained on December 27 against Jackson State. Booker took over Harmon’s position while she was recovering from her injury.
Booker would go on to continue her scoring terror in the opening drives of the second quarter, letting the scoreboard read 30-12 Texas after another mid-range jumper. Edison, New Jersey native Christina Dalce answered for Maryland by making a layup of her own, 14-32 Texas.
While trying to defend Harmon after a defensive steal, Shyanne Sellers fell to the floor and did not get up for several minutes. She was eventually helped up by her teammates and athletic staff unable to walk on her right leg. Mir McLean was quickly subbed in her place.
In the middle of the second quarter, Sellers attempted to return to the court but quickly requested a substitution and headed back to the locker room. The next time she returned, she was dressed in her tracksuit and remained on the bench with her right leg outstretched, still supporting her teammates.
“I mean it was her right knee that made contact. It’ll be evaluated by the doctor tomorrow and we’ll go from there,” Maryland head coach Brenda Frese said. “She’s such a competitor and to be able to lose that piece so early in the game was impactful.”
Sellers ended her night with one point, two rebounds, and one assist.
“I think they’re two important pieces of the team and then having to adjust, you know, maybe game losing,” Kaylene Smikle said. “This is our first game without Bri and that’s hard.”
Hours before tip-off, Sellers was named Big Ten Player of the Week. In addition to Sellers not returning to the game, the Terps announced on social media that Bri McDaniel will not return for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL she sustained against Minnesota earlier this week.
“You’re not gonna replace a player like Bri and like we spoke of as a team, everyone has to do just a little bit more,” said Frese.
At the six minute mark in the third quarter, Madison Booker had 24 points and Maryland was held to just 20 total points.
The offensive woes continued for Maryland. The Terps committed an uncharacteristic 27 turnovers and did not cash in one three-pointer all game.
“With a one day prep moving forward, you know, let’s see what we can adapt to in one day practice to get ready for Ohio State,” said Frese. “We’re gonna have to find ways to get on the glass and get to the free throw line, find different ways as we’re in this little place right now with limited guard play.”
The Terps will stay on the road to take on No. 9 Ohio State today in Columbus, Ohio.