Sweet Senior Day victory for Maryland women's basketball

Maryland forwards Angel Reese and Chloe Bibby go for an offensive rebound against Nebraska’s Alexis Markowski (40) and Ruby Porter (11) (Markayla Brooks/The Black Explosion Newspaper)

The University of Maryland’s women’s basketball team defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 80-65 on Sunday, creating a five-game winning streak.

The game was held on Senior Day, which honored four players, all of whom are graduate students. This included forward Chloe Bibby and guards Channise Lewis and Katie Benzan.

Student assistant Zoe Young was also celebrated during the game.

Lewis was a part of the team during the 2018-2019 season when Maryland won the Big Ten Championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Lewis’  break from playing due to physical and mental health concerns did not stop her from contributing to the team. Her words of wisdom have gained her respect from her coaches and teammates.

“It’s constant nuggets, it's all the time whether it's in practice or whether it is in games. She is always there and its a great asset to our team,” Bibby said during the post-game press conference.

In addition to honoring the Maryland seniors, UMD head coach Brenda Frese also honored Nebraska’s seniors.

“It's bigger than just sports. These guys pour their hearts and souls, the sacrifices that they make, so I always want to make sure we are honoring them as well when they come into our building, “ said Frese.

Sophomore forward Angel Reese had a great game as she completed her 13th double-double of the season.

Playing nearly 26 and half minutes, she led the team in rebounds with 16; 10 of them being offensive rebounds.  She was second in scoring with 15 points.

Although Reese had an outstanding game, she was on the brink of fouling out. She got her fourth personal foul with 3:16 left in the game.

On the other hand, Bibby played nearly 40 minutes and led the team in scoring with 21points. She also managed to get two assists and two rebounds. 

Bibby’s game came to a close when Frese subbed out players at the one-minute mark. As Bibby and Benzan came off the court, they hugged Frese and the rest of their team on the sidelines. 

This moment was met with a standing ovation from the crowd. As cheers and claps filled the gym the players could fill the energy.

“It means a lot, I can't put it into words. I could really feel that I found a place that I belong, where I am loved,” said Benzan. “I am grateful for it and so blessed to be here.” 

The Terrapins held the lead the entire game.

The tone was immediately set for the game in the first quarter when Maryland left Nebraska struggling to score. 

“We missed several layups at the rim. We didn’t make free throws. I just felt like we didn't capitalize the way we wanted to,” said Nebraska Head Coach Amy Williams.

With missed field goals and shooting under 30 percent, Maryland kept a strong lead. The Lady Terrapins were up as much as 15 points at the end of the first quarter.

During the second quarter, Maryland only allowed nine points. Two points for Nebraska came from sophomore guard Ashley Scoggin’s free throws following a technical foul on Reese, which was the only technical foul of the game.

After winning on Senior Day, Maryland still has five more games to complete the regular season. 

The Maryland Women’s Basketball team will play next at home against the Wisconsin Badgers on Wednesday, February 9. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. EST.