Terps Escape George Mason Upset Bid, Extend Undefeated Streak
The Maryland Terrapins, ranked No. 10 nationally, survived a scare from a determined George Mason squad on Saturday, holding off the Patriots 66-56 in a thrilling matchup at the Navy Classic.
Despite a valiant performance by George Mason, who came into the game undefeated, the Terrapins extended their season-opening record to 7-0, their best start since the 2018-19 season.
George Mason, known for its tenacity, made a strong run in the third quarter, outscoring Maryland 18-7 to erase a 10-point halftime deficit. The Patriots even took a brief lead in the fourth quarter on a jumper by Kennedy Harris, but the Terrapins pulled themselves back in front thanks to the clutch playmaking of Kaylene Smikle.
Smikle, who finished with 16 points, was key down the stretch. With the score at 55-53, Smikle stole the ball from Harris, a move that shifted momentum back in Maryland’s favor. She swiftly turned the steal into a three-point play, putting the Terps back up by 5. Another putback by Smikle soon after stretched the lead to seven, effectively sealing the victory.
"With the score 55-53, George Mason had a chance to tie, but the Patriots never really recovered after Smikle swiped the ball from Harris and went the other way for a three-point play with 3:08 remaining," noted one analyst.
Despite overcoming a strong challenge from the Patriots, Maryland’s free-throw shooting woes almost proved costly. The Terps shot a dismal 13 for 26 from the line.
"After a down season by their standards, the Terps are off to a nice start, but the free-throw problems in this game nearly cost them," commented a fan.
Harris led George Mason with a remarkable 26 points, demonstrating the Patriots’ offensive potential.
Despite falling to 6-1, George Mason showed they can compete with top-tier programs. They have now lost their last nine meetings against Maryland, but each game has been more competitive, suggesting a closing gap between the teams.
Maryland will look to continue their winning streak when they face Toledo next in the Navy Classic. George Mason will attempt to bounce back against Navy.
(The original article included links to AP Women’s College Basketball coverage. For US readers, similar content can be found at: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll | https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball )
## Maryland escapes George Mason Upset Bid: A Look Inside Terrapins’ Undefeated Streak
The No. 10 Maryland Terrapins faced a tough challenge on Saturday, narrowly escaping an upset by the undefeated George Mason Patriots, ultimately winning 66-56. while Maryland extended their impressive undefeated streak to 7-0, their best start as the 2018-19 season, George Mason proved they are a force to be reckoned with.
To break down the game and analyze its implications, we spoke with two experts:
* **Samantha Walker:** A seasoned basketball analyst with over a decade of experience covering college basketball for ESPN
* **Dr. Emily Carter:** A sports psychologist specializing in athlete performance and team dynamics at the University of Maryland
Samantha and Dr.Carter will delve into the key moments of the game, examine George MasonS rise, and discuss what this win means for Maryland’s championship aspirations.
### A Thrilling Battle of Grit and Talent
**Samantha:** “This game was a real nail-biter. George mason came out with incredible energy and tenacity.They showed they’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with a top-ranked team.”
**Dr. Carter:** “George mason demonstrated impressive resilience. They fought back from a 10-point deficit at halftime, showcasing their mental toughness and ability to adapt in high-pressure situations.”
**Samantha:**”Kaylene Smikle’s performance was crucial for Maryland. Her steal and three-point play were game-changers. She stepped up when they needed her most,showing great composure under pressure.”
### Free Throw Woes: A Potential achilles’ Heel?
**Dr. Carter:** “Maryland’s struggles from the free-throw line were a clear concern. They shot a dismal 13 for 26. If they continue to struggle in this area,it could cost them in tighter games against tougher opponents.”
**Samantha:**
“That’s absolutely right.Championship caliber teams need to be efficient from the free-throw line. While they won this game,those missed opportunities could easily swing the fate of a game in the NCAA tournament.”
### George Mason: A Program on the Rise
**Samantha:** “Despite the loss, George Mason showed they are a legitimate program on the rise. They have a talented core and a hunger to compete at the highest level. This game will serve as a valuable learning experience for them moving forward.”
**Dr. Carter:** “George Mason has been steadily improving under their coaching staff. they’ve shown consistent growth, and this game against Maryland should be a huge confidence boost. Closing the gap against a top-10 team like Maryland is a important step forward.”
### Looking Ahead: MD’s Run Continues?
**Samantha:** “Maryland’s undefeated streak is impressive, but they face a challenging schedule ahead.Their performance againstToledo in the Navy Classic will be a good indicator of whether they can sustain this momentum.”
**Dr. Emily Carter:** “The Terrapins have the talent and experience to make a deep run in the tournament. But maintaining their focus and working on their weaknesses, like free-throw shooting, will be crucial for their success. “
This nail-biting victory over George Mason underscores just how competitive the landscape of women’s college basketball is becoming. Can Maryland maintain their dominant form?
**Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on Maryland’s performance and George Mason’s bright future in the comments section below.**
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