Family or free throws? That was the dilemma posed by the university’s winter break for the Terrapin women’s basketball team.
The team’s next challenge upon return — a Sunday night date with lowly Stony Brook — was a little easier, and probably made the decision to opt for another helping of turkey rather than one more round of shooting practice go down more smoothly.
The Terps (10-2) shot less than 50 percent from the field and the line Sunday, but a talent gap evident right from the game’s tip-off propelled the Terps to a 76-44 victory over the Seawolves (2-9) at Comcast Center, their 45th straight win in College Park.
“It was obviously nice to get back,” coach Brenda Frese said. “Having a nice long Christmas break, I thought after we got back into the groove, I thought we really started bringing it defensively… So many players were ready to play tonight. It’s just a nice, solid win for us.”
Four players reached double digits in scoring for the Terps, who opened the game with an 8-0 run and never trailed.
The expected returns from the team’s stalwarts were there — forward Diandra Tchatchouang again led all scorers with 17 points and center Lynetta Kizer pulled down another double-double — but Frese also got the bench production she’ll need when ACC play begins next month.
Guard Lori Bjork, who did not start for the first time this season after two straight subpar performances against Towson and American, responded with four three-pointers and 16 points.
Guard Jackie Nared also posted a career-high 15 points to along with seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block.
“She makes us a better team when she plays, the way she does with confidence,” Frese said. “Defensively, she’s long, she’s athletic and she energizes us because of her hustle plays. All of a sudden, you see when Jackie hits it, everyone starts running the floor harder. She pushes our transition game and makes us a more complete team.”
A woefully undersized Seawolves side shot just 25 percent from the field, including a mere six made field goals in the second half.
The Terps fared much better, but they were far from unblemished, too. The team committed 16 turnovers, went 5-of-18 from beyond the arc and missed more than half (12) of its 23 free throws.
“It was not characteristic of us in terms of the amount of missed layups and the free throw shooting,” said Frese, whose Terps begin their conference slate Jan. 7. “That’s just getting back in the gym and getting reps. I guess if you had to pick between spending time with your family or a little extra free throw shooting, I think they made the right choice. But we’ll get back at it tomorrow.”
Jonas Shaffer is The Diamondback’s women’s basketball beat writer. He can be reached at shaffer@umdbk.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/jonas_shaffer.