Terp Women Delight in Regular Season Finale
Senior Stalwarts Marissa Coleman and Kristi Toliver Lead Team
A crowd of over 11,000 turned out to say goodbye to the last vestiges of Maryland's 2006 National Champion team Friday night, February 27th, and they weren't disappointed. Coleman and Toliver combined to score Maryland's first 30 points, leading the Terps to an 86-74 win over the unranked Eagles and bringing their home win streak to an astonishing 34 games.
Seniors Come Up Big
Coleman ended up with a career-high 32 points, while Toliver finished with 27, including three 3-pointers. Freshman center Lynetta Kizer banked 10 points and had four rebounds, while junior college transfer Demauria Liles contributed seven points, six rebounds and two blocks in a game the Terps never trailed in.
Boston College cut Maryland's lead to only four with 13:36 to play, the closest they came throughout the entire game, but big shots by freshman Anjale Barrett and Coleman put the Terps firmly back in control before they finished off their eighth straight win.
The Eagles were led by guard Mickel Picco, who had 18 points. Lauren Whitehurst came off the bench and recorded 16, while forward Stefanie Murphy finished with 15.
Fans brought signs pleading with Coleman and Toliver to find a way to stay at Maryland, with one reading, "Please FLUNK something to stay and play." The two guards were only freshman when they helped Maryland win their 2006 title.
There's No "I" In Team
Video montages and sentimental music played in the Comcast Center throughout the night. Jerseys were framed and presented, tear-jerking tributes were made, and two of the most special players in Maryland history were honored as they said goodbye. But if you ask them, it was white noise.
"Honestly, it was blalalalala," said Kristi Toliver, quoted in a Washington Post article when asked what she was thinking when watching the highlight video. "We're not concerned with individual things we accomplished. We're concerned about what the team has accomplished, and so far we've done great things."
Coleman is also looking toward the postseason. Maryland's official athletics website quoted her as saying, "I just think there's a sense of urgency in both of us. When you're seniors, you don't want your senior year to end."
Both Coleman and Toliver are considered legitimate top five picks in this year's WNBA draft.
Up Next For The Terrapins
Maryland (24-4, 11-2 ACC) is now in a first-place tie with Florida State in the ACC, and can clinch its first regular-season title in 20 years with a win at Miami on Sunday. That would guarantee them the top seed in the ACC championship, something they haven't won since 1989. After that tournament, which begins March 5th, the Terps will look to the NCAA tournament and the chance to repeat their 2006 title-- a fitting farewell for two seniors who helped make Maryland women's basketball the powerhouse it is today.
Senior Marissa Coleman Says Goodbye
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles