Maryland women’s basketball picks up 1,000th win, advances to Big Ten Championship in thriller over Michigan

Junior guard Kaila Charles celebrates after a late defensive stand sends Maryland to the Big Ten championship game against iowa. (Photo courtesy of Maryland Athletics)

Maryland and Michigan both came out strong, showing their hunger for a spot in the Big Ten championship game. It was a fierce competition between the two teams, but a defensive stand pushed Maryland through, 73-72, giving the program 1,000 wins.

Maryland led by nine late in the fourth quarter, but Michigan did not give in. The Wolverines pushed through Maryland’s defense and hit a 3-pointer, giving them the lead, 70-69.

Junior guard Kalia Charles (22 points and six rebounds) rushed back down the court and hit a jumper, putting the Terps back on top with less than one minute left. Michigan responded, with an offensive rebound and layup, putting the Wolverines ahead, 72-71.

A foul from freshman forward Naz Hillmon placed Charles on the free-throw line, who sinked both attempts to go ahead, 73-72.

After a block by freshman forward Shakira Austin (four points, four rebounds, three blocks) sent the ball out of bounds with one second remaining, Michigan’s inbound pass was off-target and rolled around on the court while time expired.

The Terrapins will play Iowa in the Big Ten championship game. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.