Maryland defeats Norfolk State to advance in NCAA Tournament
- Norfolk State led 32-30 at halftime but struggled defensively in the second half.
- Maryland made a significant 12-2 run in the fourth quarter led by key players.
- The victory secured Maryland's advancement to the second round against Alabama.
In the NCAA Tournament, held in College Park, Maryland recently faced Norfolk State, a 13th-seeded team that had entered the tournament with an impressive 19-game winning streak. The game, which occurred as the first round of the tournament, saw Maryland, the 4th seed, overcoming an early deficit. Norfolk State started strong, leading 32-30 at halftime. However, the Terrapins found their rhythm in the third quarter, scoring 30 points led by standout performances from Sarah Te-Biasu and Kaylene Smikle. After trailing by just four points early in the fourth quarter, Maryland executed a crucial 12-2 run to build a comfortable lead. Despite Norfolk State's coach Larry Vickers expressing frustrations about officiating and his team's discipline, the competitive spirit of the Spartans was evident throughout the match. Maryland's victory allows them to advance to the next round, where they will face Alabama, marking a significant milestone in their quest for a national championship. With their next game on the horizon, the team aims to regain focus and performance under Coach Brenda Frese, as they prepare for a tough challenge ahead.