SECOND-HALF SURGE PROVES COSTLY FOR TERPS
INDIANAPOLIS — The No. 14 Maryland women's basketball squad faces an abrupt departure from the Big Ten Tournament following a 73-68 defeat at the hands of No. 11 seed Oregon. The outcome marks the Terrapins' earliest tournament exit on record, a development unfolding after Oregon staged a significant second-half comeback.
This pivotal second-half rally, orchestrated by Oregon's Ehis Etute and Katie Fiso, saw the duo combine for 32 points to overcome Maryland's earlier advantage. Etute was particularly impactful, amassing 18 points, five rebounds, and three blocks in the latter half alone. Fiso contributed 14 points on 7-of-13 shooting and added four assists after halftime.
The loss sends Maryland back home, leaving their tournament future dependent on the outcomes of other conference competitions. This echoes a similar second-half collapse against Oregon earlier in the season, where the same players, notably one who scored 27 points in both encounters, were instrumental.
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Maryland's season achievements, including notable road victories against Ohio State, Minnesota, and Michigan State, alongside a neutral-site win against Kentucky, now stand as solitary consolations. Oregon, buoyed by this upset, advances to face No. 3 seed Michigan.
The circumstances of the defeat present a somber note for the Maryland program. While the specifics of the early game dynamics and the exact composition of Maryland's second-half falterings are somewhat obscured, the core narrative is clear: a lead evaporated, and a more determined second-half performance from Oregon sealed Maryland's fate.