Brenda Frese gets 400th win, No. 8 Maryland tops Detroit
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) Kiah Gillespie provided the offensive spark in Maryland coach Brenda Frese's 400th career victory Friday, a role the freshman is likely to revisit many times in her career.
Gillespie scored 18 points to lift No. 8 Maryland out of an early offensive lull and help Frese to her latest milestone in a 97-41 victory over Detroit.
The versatile forward has averaged more than 17 points in three games with the Terrapins (3-0), and says she already feels a responsibility to her new coach.
''I thought it was very important to play for coach, especially with the tradition that's here at Maryland,'' Gillespie said. ''So to be a part of this 400th win is very special to me. And I know that she's a great coach and that she's going to continue to win if we keep playing like how I know she's going to coach us.''
Brene Moseley had 13 points and 10 assists for her second career double-double, and Kristen Confroy added 12 points for Maryland. Rosanna Reynolds scored 15 points, and Nicole Urbanick added 10 for Detroit (0-3).
Frese was honored for her milestone with a postgame video. It offered congratulations from former mentor and Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly, Maryland men's coach Mark Turgeon, former Terp and WNBA player Marissa Coleman and other former players and assistants.
''When you get to be my age, it's really emotional,'' Frese said about the video. ''It's not about the wins, it's the people and it's the relationships that have always centered me as a coach.''
Frese is 400-134 in 17 seasons as a college head coach, going 343-104 in 14 seasons at Maryland. She spent two years at Ball State and one at Minnesota before taking over at Maryland in 2002 for Chris Weller, who recorded all 499 of her career wins with the Terrapins.
''I think for me, it was just hoping that I was good enough to come into Maryland and help this team and put them in a position to be successful,'' Frese said. ''All these other things are just, it's incredible to be a part of.''
Maryland led 22-8 after Gillespie scored the final eight points of the first quarter on a 3-pointer, a three-point play and a leaning transition jumper just before the buzzer. That helped Maryland solve a zone defense that had given it some early trouble.
''Whether it's her posting up down low or her calling for the trail 3, I mean that opens up our offense so much,'' Maryland guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough said of Gillespie. ''It's a blessing to have.''
A 10-0 run in the second quarter, keyed by a jumper and 3-pointer from Moseley, pushed the lead to 39-15, and the Terps entered halftime ahead 47-19.
DIALING UP DEFENSE
Maryland allowed the fewest points of its young season while holding Detroit to 27.1 percent shooting (16 of 59) and out-rebounding the Titans 50-23.
''We have great offensive players - If they could choose, I know which end of the court they're going to choose,'' Frese said. ''But by the end of the season, they're going to be able to play both ends of the floor and play hard.''
TIP-INS
Maryland: Moseley's 29 minutes were the most played by any Terps player this season. ... Maryland has at least one player earn a double-double in each of its first three games. ... Walker- Kimbrough had 10 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
Detroit: The Titans will play one other currently ranked team this season, visiting No. 23 Michigan State on Dec. 21. . They fell to 5-49 all-time against ranked opponents.
UP NEXT
Maryland: Heads to the Virgin Islands for three games in the Paradise Jam tournament, starting with Old Dominion on Thursday.
Detroit: Ends trip at St. Bonaventure on Tuesday.
