Maryland women’s basketball drops four spots to No. 8 in AP poll after South Carolina loss

After its 63-54 home loss to South Carolina on Sunday, the Maryland women’s basketball team fell to No. 8 in the country in the AP poll released Monday.

After a dominant 119-56 win over Wagner to open the season — posting the most points the Terps have scored since 1992 — Maryland struggled offensively against the Gamecocks, shooting just 31.4 percent in a game in which they never held a lead and lost the rebounding battle by 16.

[Read more: South Carolina prevails over Maryland women’s basketball in top-10 battle, 63-54]

Guard Ashley Owusu led the Terps, tallying team-highs with 17 points, seven rebounds and 37 minutes. Star forward Kaila Charles had a good defensive outing with three blocks but struggled offensively, shooting just 5-of-18 from the field for 11 points. Guard Taylor Mikesell also didn’t find a rhythm as she notched the first scoreless outing of her college career.

The Terps fell four spots from their preseason No. 4 ranking but are one of only two teams still in the top-25 with a loss. The Gamecocks, whose rebounding and interior defense bothered Maryland, jumped two spots to No. 6 in the country.

Maryland looks to get back on track Wednesday when they travel to Virginia for a matchup against 2-0 James Madison.