DoB Recap: Maryland 97, Wisconsin 59

The Maryland Terrapins (14-0, 2-0 Big Ten) asserted their defensive dominance at the level expected of the seventh-ranked team in the nation in a 97-59 win against the Wisconsin Badgers (9-4, 1-1 Big Ten).

Both teams entered the matchup 1-0 in Big Ten play, with Maryland coming off an overtime win against Minnesota back on December 7th, and Wisconsin previously upset Top-25-ranked Michigan State on the same day.

Maryland got off to a fast start and never looked back, as Oluchi Okananwa led the way with a 12-point, 3-steal first quarter. Okananwa finished with a career-high 28 points and added 6 steals, a hyper-efficient game that saw her shoot 66.7% from the field.

“We were so pumped for our first conference game at home,” Okananwa said, referencing the energy the team brought, especially on the defensive end.

The Terrapins forced 16 turnovers in the first half as Wisconsin shot just 5-of-26 from the field.

Wisconsin’s offense showed some signs of life in the second half, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.

Basic Stats

Maryland had four players in double figures, led by Okananwa with 28 points. Addi Mack scored 15 points, reigning Big Ten Player of the Week Yarden Garzon added 15 of her own, and Saylor Poffenbarger finished with 14.

The Terrapins also dominated the glass, outrebounding Wisconsin 51-28.

For Wisconsin, Destiny Howell led the Badgers with 14 points, while Kyrah Daniels added 10.

Postgame Thoughts:

Within the wire-to-wire victory for Maryland, there was still plenty to learn about both teams.

For Maryland, Head coach Brenda Frese said postgame that the team is “really clicking” and where it needs to be entering conference play, a great sign for the Terps, who have battled key injuries throughout the season.

Maryland’s defensive pressure and pace in transition continue to be what make this team special and can end games before they truly begin. Okananwa’s tenacity can ignite the entire team and anchors a press that can change the game if opponents are not composed with the ball.

On the Wisconsin side, the foundation that coach Robin Pingeton is building is beginning to take shape. With a roster featuring a bevy of new faces, Pingeton emphasized patience in the program’s long-term vision.

“Anytime you build a house, the foundation has to be the most important thing,” Pingeton said postgame.

At various points in the game, the Badgers were able to generate quality looks when they could get past the press and settle into the offense. There was plenty of action created in their offense that opened up shooters, but the shots did not fall on this night.

Overall, it was a convincing Maryland victory and a learning experience for Wisconsin, as both teams are set to compete in a gauntlet conference schedule in the Big Ten.

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