Forward Alyssa Thomas shoots over a defender during the Terps’ 89-53 victory over Loyola at Comcast Center on Nov. 10, 2013.
As the Terrapins women’s basketball team wrapped up the first half of its season opener against South Florida, many of the team’s starters were on the bench to avoid the risk of picking up another foul.
None of the Terps’ starters played more than 11 minutes in the first half of their 78-70 win on Friday due to early foul trouble. But the team didn’t have the same difficulties in the home opener against Loyola, as it cruised to an 89-53 win Sunday afternoon at Comcast Center.
No player for the No. 8 Terps (2-0) had more than two fouls in the first half, and the starters played a larger role in the team’s offense from the outset.
Forward Alyssa Thomas played nine minutes in the first half, one minute less than her whole time on the court against South Florida.
“I was just happy to be out on the floor,” Thomas said. “Definitely don’t like sitting on the bench.”
The Harrisburg, Pa., native had 14 points and 12 rebounds against Loyola, and center Alicia DeVaughn matched Thomas’ team-high of 14 points and snagged six rebounds. Guards Brene Moseley and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and forward Tierney Pfirman also scored double figures.
Thomas, DeVaughn and the rest of the starters led the Terps to a 13-2 run to open the game. Though the team couldn’t hit its early jumpers, its ability to finish in the paint made up for its struggles from range. The Terps slashed through the Greyhounds defense often, drawing fouls as they attempted layups.
Similar to their win against South Florida, the Terps’ free throw efficiency helped maintain their comfortable lead, as they were 20-of-22 from the line in the first half. They would finish 29-of-35 from the free throw line, while Loyola went 11-of-16 from the charity stripe.
“Our guards have done a nice job attacking,” coach Brenda Frese said. “Credit this team. I like how we’re stepping up with confidence to get those extra points at the free-throw line.”
The Terps struggled with their ball movement, however, committing nine turnovers and dishing out five assists in the first half. The team’s low assist numbers coincided with its difficulties in transition. The Terps had six fast break points before halftime.
They improved slightly in the second half with eight fast break points, but the Terps made more noticeable progress with their passing, earning 12 assists to six turnovers. Thomas’ rebounding helped the team’s offense break in transition more often, and sharper ball movement led to more assists and fewer turnovers.
“I thought in spurts, we were able to get our transition game going, especially in the second half,” Frese said. “A.T., I thought, was really good, getting rebounds and starting us in transition and was really unselfish with her play. That’s where we really got clicking on all cylinders.”
With a matchup against No. 1 Connecticut looming, the team looks to continue improving its defensive discipline. DeVaughn and Thomas played 25 minutes combined against South Florida. But against Loyola, the two combined to play 41 minutes. That duo and the rest of the Terps’ starters avoided early foul trouble, allowing them the time on the court to make an impact.
“I think when you’re hesitant defensively, then you’re going to pick up more fouls,” Frese said. “You just have to play hard, and I thought we were able to do more of that in the second half.”
