Maryland rolls over Racers 99-67 in NCAA tourney opener

Halli Poock scored a game-high 27 points, but it was not enough as Murray State fell to Maryland 99-67 in the first round of the NCAA womens tournament on Friday. 

Maryland's depth and interior presence proved to be the difference. The Terrapins utilized a 52-38 advantage in points in the paint. Murray State struggled to contain Maryland's second-chance opportunities, surrendering 33 points off 24 offensive rebounds.

The Racers showed resilience in the third quarter, putting up 24 points, but they could not overcome the Terrapins' late surge. 

Poock finished 9-of-24 from the floor and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. Haven Ford and Keslyn Secrist each had a standout performance, with 17 points apiece. Secrist also surpassed 1,000 career points during the game.

The Racers finish the season with a record-setting 31 wins, the most in program history and the second most in Missouri Valley Conference history. The Racers have also notched back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference championships.


(Photo David Eaton /MSU Athletics)