Maryland rolls past in-state foe Loyola 79-60 (Dec 12, 2016)
BALTIMORE (AP) While Maryland has one of the deepest lineups in the country, its game plan still revolves around senior playmakers Brionna Jones and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough.
When some of the younger players struggle, Jones and Walker-Kimbrough make sure they lead the way.
Jones had 25 points and 14 rebounds, helping No. 4 Maryland to another dominant win over in-state foe Loyola, 79-60 on Monday night. Walker-Kimbrough added 17 points for Maryland, which has started the season 11-0 for the second consecutive year.
The Terrapins scored 21 points off 23 turnovers.
''They are so consistent for us and come ready to play like seniors and leaders should do,'' Maryland coach Brenda Frese said about Jones and Walker-Kimbrough. ''But we've got to be able to continue to build the depth out of that to be a dominant team.''
Maryland has won its last 17 meetings against Loyola and leads the all-time series 22-3.
Bri Betz-White led Loyola (4-6) with 17 points, while Lauren Daugherty added 16. Carly Monzo and Stephanie Karcz had 10 points apiece for the Greyhounds, who were out-rebounded 44-23.
Jones had eight points and Maryland led 26-12 at the end of the first quarter. The Terrapins were 11 of 14 from the field and outscored Loyola 18-6 inside the paint during that time.
Maryland maintained pressure and forced turnovers on Loyola's first three possessions of the second quarter. The Terrapins got the ball inside to Jones, whose layup boosted the margin to 38-12.
Loyola was 9 for 26 from the field and trailed 46-21 at the break.
The Greyhounds played better in the second half, and a 3-pointer by Monzo pulled them within 56-41 with 2:28 left in the third quarter.
''I'm just really proud of our kids,'' Loyola coach Joe Logan said. ''Tonight, Maryland punched us in the mouth a little bit, but I was really proud of how we responded, particularly in the second half. That's going to help us during the season. They're really good. They're a top five team in the country and we hung with them the best we could in the second half.''
That was as close as Loyola got. A 3-pointer by Destiny Slocum provided Maryland a 70-51 lead with just over five minutes left in the game.
''Give credit to Loyola, they came out great in the second half,'' Walker-Kimbrough said. ''But I know (Jones) and I have to take a step back and look because it's on us to make sure we lead those young guys in the second half. I thought we did a good job in the first half.''
SLUGGISH PLAY
Maryland shot 78.6 percent from the field in the first quarter, but was then out of sync for much of the remaining game. The Terrapins made just 5 of 15 shots (33.3 percent) in the final quarter.
RACKING UP THE POINTS
Betz-White, a preseason All-Patriot League honoree, has scored in double figures in nine of 10 games this year.
BIG PICTURE
Loyola: The Greyhounds outscored Maryland 24-18 in the third quarter and played fearlessly against a nationally ranked opponent. Despite the score, the game provided Loyola with a boost of confidence.
Maryland: The Terrapins entered leading the country in scoring (93.8) and field goal percentage (51.9). Maryland, however, struggled in spurts on the road against the Greyhounds and committed 19 turnovers. Coach Brenda Frese will likely address those issues over the next week.
UP NEXT
Loyola: The Greyhounds break for exams before travelling to George Washington on Dec. 23.
Maryland: The Terrapins play at Duquesne on Dec. 21 before a showdown with No. 1 Connecticut eight days later.
