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Feb. 24, 2000
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) – Antonieta Gabriel saved her best for last.
Playing in her final home game, the seldom-used senior scored a career-high21 points as Maryland ended a 17-game losing streak against No. 16 Virginiawith a 76-71 victory Thursday night.
Gabriel entered the game having scored only 17 points against Atlantic CoastConference opponents this season. But getting a rare start on Senior Night, sheplayed a game that she will remember for the rest of her life.
Gabriel went 9-for-12 from the field and grabbed nine rebounds to helpMaryland (14-12, 5-10) snap a four-game losing streak. It was the Terrapins’first victory over the Cavaliers since 1993.
“We tried to keep things as simple as we could tonight,” Maryland coachChris Weller said. “We wanted to let the players feel free and just play. I’mjust so excited for Antonieta. She’s always been a role player for us who isasked to do all the dirty work. This is her day in the sun.”
Schuye LaRue scored 22 and Svetlana Volnaya had 21 for Virginia (21-7,12-3). The Cavaliers were outrebounded 48-41 and shot just 38 percent.
“We got plenty of shots. We just didn’t knock them down,” Virginia coachDebbie Ryan said.
Gabriel, who hadn’t taken more than eight shots in a game this season,scored 15 points in the second half alone as Maryland held off a late Virginiacharge.
After a free throw by Gabriel put Maryland up 72-64 with 49 seconds left,Renee Robinson hit a 3-pointer for the Cavaliers. The teams traded free throwsbefore Virginia freshman Telisha Quarles went to the line to shoot three foulshots.
She missed all three, and a free throw by Maryland’s Vicki Brick iced thegame with 25 seconds remaining.
Virginia led by as many as 11 points in the first half, but Maryland pulledeven by halftime.