Jones scored 17 to lead No. 7 Maryland past UMBC 92-61
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — Maryland coach Brenda Frese knows it's critical to get contributions from her reserves.
So Sunday was a good day for the No. 7 Terrapins.
Stephanie Jones scored 17 points and freshman Shakira Austin added 15 points and 11 rebounds, leading Maryland to a 92-61 victory over Maryland-Baltimore County.
"I think we got a lot of valuable minutes from our bench today, having every player come in and score," Frese said. "It really helped us extend the lead."
Sara Vujacic finished with 13 points for Maryland, which led 58-30 at the break. Kaila Charles and Taylor Mikesell had 11 points apiece.
The Terrapins shot 55 percent (34 for 62) from the field, including 7 of 14 from beyond the arc.
Maryland (8-0) entered the game leading the nation in rebounds (51) and rebounding margin (19.3). That trend continued as the Terrapins outrebounded the Retrievers 44-28.
Junior guard Dominika Skrocka was 6 of 7 from 3-point range and finished with 18 points for UMBC, which has lost three straight games. The Retrievers (6-3) had 19 turnovers, which led to 24 points for the Terrapins.
Maryland pressured the Retrievers early, forcing three turnovers in four minutes. A pair of layups by Charles capped a 15-3 run to open the game and Maryland was never threatened the rest of the way.
"We knew what we were getting ourselves into when we come here," UMBC coach Phil Stern said. "We're playing a bigger, faster and stronger team, a team that is really talented. I am really proud of our effort and the way we executed on offense. We drew four charges on defense. We have a lot to look forward to and this game will definitely help us."
A 3-pointer by Vujacic boosted the lead to 44-18 midway through the half. From there, Frese was able to rotate her bench as her team continued to pull away.
"I just have to stay ready and trust my coaches and teammates," Vujacic said.
GROWING CONFIDENCE
The Terrapins continue to get dominant performances from Austin, who was leading the country in blocks (25) and was seventh in total rebounds (89) coming into the game. She picked up her third double-double of the season.
"I am definitely just staying focused and worry about the next game." said Austin, who did not block a shot against UMBC. "The talent doesn't go anywhere. You just have to bring it to the court each and every game."
BIG PICTURE
UMBC: The Retrievers faced their toughest test of the season. While UMBC could not keep pace, the level of competition could help when it gets into America East Conference play. The Retrievers are 0-13 all-time against the Terrapins.
Maryland: With the exception of a 58-51 victory over Georgia, the Terrapins have won all of their games by double figures this season. Maryland has three more nonconference games before the Big Ten opener at Penn State on Dec. 28.
UP NEXT
UMBC: Hosts in-state rival, Mount St. Mary's, on Thursday.
Maryland: Has another home game Saturday against James Madison.
