By Ben Geffner and Matthew Neus
Last updated March 7 at 8:30 p.m.
Maryland women’s basketball (23-7, 13-5 Big Ten) went one-and-done at the Big Ten tournament. The Terps never led in a 98-71 loss to Michigan Friday in Indianapolis.
Maryland missed a vital opportunity to nab one more quality win for its resume. A win over the Wolverines could have secured home court advantage in the NCAA tournament.
Check back here for regular updates on Maryland’s postseason status.
Friday’s blowout
Maryland’s upset loss to Michigan was the largest loss it suffered in a conference tournament game since 2005. The Terps failed to advance to the Big Ten tournament semifinals for just the second time since joining the conference.
The Wolverines were on fire from deep, hitting 12 3-pointers in the 27-point drubbing. Guards Olivia Olson, Syla Swords and Jordan Hobbs combined for 65 points.
Maryland’s leading scorers couldn’t match the trio of Michigan’s sharpshooters. Guard Kaylene Smikle was held to 10 points, while Shyanne Sellers put up a measly two points in the loss.
NCAA tournament forecast
Earning a top-four seed in the NCAA tournament would give Maryland an easier first round matchup along with the opportunity to play at home in the first and second rounds.
The last time Maryland secured a top-four seed was in 2023, when it was a No. 2. The Terps have played 12 times at home in the national tournament since 2015, winning 10 of those games.
Maryland’s triumphs over Indiana and Ohio State last week brought its total Quadrant 1 wins to seven. Only two Big Ten schools, USC and UCLA, had more in the regular season.
One more quality win at the Big Ten tournament would strengthen the Terps’ case to receive a top-four seed and the right to play at Xfinity Center.
Maryland’s quad breakdown:
Quadrant 1: 7-4, Quadrant 2: 3-2, Quadrant 3: 4-0, Quadrant 4: 9-0
