In a highly anticipated matchup on Tuesday, the No. 8 Maryland women's basketball team faced off against the No. 24 Minnesota Golden Gophers at College Park. Despite the Golden Gophers' impressive 16-1 record, Maryland emerged victorious with a final score of 99-92. The Terps showcased exceptional shooting, hitting over 53% of their field goals and scoring nine three-pointers. Leading the charge was Shyanne Sellers, who contributed an outstanding 27 points. Head coach Brenda Frese highlighted the significance of this win as part of a challenging stretch of games against ranked opponents. However, the joy was tempered by an injury to Bri McDaniel, who left the game early due to a right knee issue.

The contest began at breakneck speed, with both teams displaying remarkable offensive prowess. Initially, Minnesota managed to edge ahead, thanks largely to Amaya Battle's efficient scoring. By the end of the first quarter, the Golden Gophers held a slim 19-17 lead. However, Maryland quickly adapted, with Sellers and Mir McLean stepping up to counteract the opposition's momentum. Sellers delivered a stellar performance, scoring crucial points and dishing out seven assists. Meanwhile, McLean provided much-needed support, particularly in the second half, when Maryland tightened its defensive and rebounding efforts.

As the game progressed, Maryland's offense continued to improve. In the third quarter, the Terps shot an impressive 10-of-15 from the field and hit all three of their three-point attempts. Kaylene Smikle and Allie Kubek also made significant contributions, with Kubek finding her rhythm after receiving encouragement from coaches to take more shots. Her confidence boost resulted in a solid 3-of-5 performance from beyond the arc. Despite facing a physical battle that saw multiple fouls and even some injuries, the Terps maintained their composure and extended their lead into double digits.

Maryland's resilience was tested in the fourth quarter when Minnesota mounted a fierce comeback, closing the gap to just three points with 30 seconds remaining. Nevertheless, the Terps held their ground and secured the victory through decisive free throws. Coach Frese acknowledged the need for improvement in maintaining focus throughout the entire game but emphasized the importance of learning from such experiences in a winning situation. This victory marks the beginning of a series of tough matchups for Maryland, including upcoming games against top-ranked teams like Texas, Ohio State, and UCLA. The win not only boosts morale but also sets a positive tone for the rest of the season.