2008 Woodie Awards
Terps looking to right ship
Greg Schimmel
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: Sports
Several days after its most disappointing loss of the season, the Terrapin women's basketball team is not trying to forget.
After turning in a clunker in their 74-63 ACC semifinal loss to Duke on Saturday, the Terps are trying to learn from their mistakes as they head into the NCAA tournament that is scheduled to begin for them March 23.
The Terps had high hopes entering the ACC tournament, but the upset prevented them from winning their first conference championship since 1989 and exposed some holes that need to be fixed.
"Obviously that's going to be the last taste that's going to be in our mouth going into the NCAA tournament, but at the same time it's something that we all know we need to learn from," senior forward Laura Harper said. "I wouldn't say that we're completely over it, forgetting about the game, but it's obviously motivation."
The Terps felt they lacked intensity in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday and got down on themselves when things began to turn against them.
Defensive lapses led to key runs by the Blue Devils, and Duke turned 19 Terp turnovers into 32 points.
"Our lack of toughness in terms of defensive intensity really hurt us," coach Brenda Frese said.
The Terps have played several games this season in which they lacked defensive consistency, and have also struggled to hold onto the ball at times.
So this week in practice, as the Terps wait for the unveiling of the NCAA tournament bracket Monday night, defense and toughness will be the focus.
"From our end, that's where it's at," Frese said.
Mentally, the Terps are still unable to determine why they weren't able to get up for one of the biggest games of the season.
"I talked to a lot of people and they said we just looked dead," senior forward Crystal Langhorne said.
Whatever it was, the Terps hope that Saturday will have served as a wake-up call as they head into the NCAAs.
They know that another effort like that and their season could be over.
After turning in a clunker in their 74-63 ACC semifinal loss to Duke on Saturday, the Terps are trying to learn from their mistakes as they head into the NCAA tournament that is scheduled to begin for them March 23.
The Terps had high hopes entering the ACC tournament, but the upset prevented them from winning their first conference championship since 1989 and exposed some holes that need to be fixed.
"Obviously that's going to be the last taste that's going to be in our mouth going into the NCAA tournament, but at the same time it's something that we all know we need to learn from," senior forward Laura Harper said. "I wouldn't say that we're completely over it, forgetting about the game, but it's obviously motivation."
The Terps felt they lacked intensity in Greensboro, N.C., on Saturday and got down on themselves when things began to turn against them.
Defensive lapses led to key runs by the Blue Devils, and Duke turned 19 Terp turnovers into 32 points.
"Our lack of toughness in terms of defensive intensity really hurt us," coach Brenda Frese said.
The Terps have played several games this season in which they lacked defensive consistency, and have also struggled to hold onto the ball at times.
So this week in practice, as the Terps wait for the unveiling of the NCAA tournament bracket Monday night, defense and toughness will be the focus.
"From our end, that's where it's at," Frese said.
Mentally, the Terps are still unable to determine why they weren't able to get up for one of the biggest games of the season.
"I talked to a lot of people and they said we just looked dead," senior forward Crystal Langhorne said.
Whatever it was, the Terps hope that Saturday will have served as a wake-up call as they head into the NCAAs.
They know that another effort like that and their season could be over.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Jerry
posted 3/12/08 @ 6:19 AM EST
Great team and great program during the past 3 years. However, the team has some obvious weaknesses. Team lacks guard depth. Beyond Toliver, Terps lack quick guards who can handle the ball, penetrate, finish, and also score outside. (Continued…)
Jules
posted 3/12/08 @ 5:01 PM EST
I actually feel really good about this team heading into the NCAAs...while we are a bit short on depth in terms of relief for KT, I feel good when Ashleigh, Kat, & co are on the court. (Continued…)
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