Key Takeaways from No. 4-seed Maryland Women’s Basketball’s Season-Ending Defeat to No. 1-seed South Carolina

In a thrilling game that showcased defensive grit on both ends, Maryland’s defense made notable strides, but South Carolina’s defense ultimately proved superior when it mattered most.

“I mean, it’s special to play here, especially under Brenda, honestly. It’s a dream come true,” said Kubek, reflecting on the significance of the moment.

As the game unfolded, Maryland struggled in the final minutes, going a full three minutes without scoring. With Kubek sidelined, they had no response to South Carolina’s defensive pressure.

“That’s our normal defense. If we would have connected those possessions early in the basketball game, we might have found ourselves with a little bit of a bigger lead, but we were down at that point and we had to lock in,” explained South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley.

This shift in momentum ultimately sealed Maryland’s fate. South Carolina went on a crucial 7-0 run, and that was the turning point.

However, Maryland’s defense wasn’t without its merits. It had managed to stifle the Gamecocks for much of the night, particularly in the first half, allowing the Terps to lead at halftime.

“We wanted to pack the paint, battle on the glass, and I thought we did that to the very end. Just appreciate this group,” Frese said. “It was such a journey with all of them starting all the way back when we brought ten new players in, and every single one of them choosing to buy in and believe in this coaching staff and believe in the system.”

On the other side, MiLaysia Fulwiley was a standout for South Carolina, contributing 16 of her 23 points in the second half. Without her explosive performance, the Terps might have found themselves facing Duke in the Elite Eight.

“I think today I kind of just was locked in and determined and kind of really scraped forward with what I wanted to do, which was score,” Fulwiley reflected after the game.

In the end, despite a valiant effort on both ends of the floor, Maryland’s defense fell just short of delivering a season-saving victory.