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COLLEGE PARK, Md.- The University of Virginia women’s basketball team lost a dog fight at #16/18 Maryland on Thursday, 63-60.
Virginia fell to 13-5 overall and 3-2 in ACC play. The Terrapins improved to 13-2 overall and 3-2 in the ACC.
“We never really got into a rhythm,” said head Virginia head coach Debbie Ryan. “We got really good shots to start the game. The rebounding killed us and that was the key to the game.”
In the first half, Maryland jumped out to an 18-10 lead, but the Cavaliers clawed their way back and held a one-point lead at half time, 27-26
In the second half, the team battled back and forth until Maryland took a seven-point lead 60-53 with one minute to play. UVa came within three, 62-59 with 12 seconds to go on a bucket by freshmen Sharnee Zoll (Marlboro N.J.). With one second on the clock, sophomore Siedah Williams (Cleveland, Ohio) nailed her first free throw to put the Cavs within three, 63-60. She intentionally missed the second shot as senior LaTonya Blue (Baltimore Md.) tipped the rebound out to freshman Takisha Granberry (Charlotte N.C.) who was in three-point range. The ball slipped through her hands and the game was over.
“I was waiting on it to long, and it slipped right out of my hand,” Granberry said of the last play.
Granberry and Zoll each scored a career-high 13 points. Blue had 11 points. Williams grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds.
“I thought she kept us in the game. She was fearless,” Ryan said of Granberry.
“Takisha did a great job of stepping up,” Blue said. “She showed a lot of character.”
Three Terrapins netted double digits led by Shay Doron’s 21 points.
Overall, Maryland out rebounded Virginia, 55-39.
The Cavaliers return to University hall on Sunday, Jan. 23 to host Dartmouth at 2 p.m.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
1 2 - FinalVirginia (13-5, 3-2 ACC) 27 33 - 60Maryland (13-3, 3-2 ACC) 26 37 - 63