COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The Maryland Terps women's basketball team captured the Big Ten Conference title with a win over the Iowa Hawkeyes 104-84 on Saturday -- it's the second year in a row they have taken home the conference's tournament title.
Brenda Frese, who recently won her 500th game as the Terps head coach, has her team on a hot streak heading towards the NCAA tournament.
The Terps have not lost a game since Jan. 28, and have an overall record of 24-2. Maryland has only lost to Ohio State and Missouri State, both of whom were ranked when they played the Terps.
“I love where this team is at right now,” Frese said. “I wouldn't want to play us.”
There's a reason Maryland has reached the Big Ten title game in each of the seven seasons since joining the conference, and won six of seven regular-season titles. The nation's No. 1 offense, which entered this week averaging 93.1 points, comes at an opponent fast and is relentless.
The Terps win over Iowa was the sixth time that Maryland scored 100 points against an opponent in a game.
“We just play hard as soon as we step on the court and it becomes fun,” said Most Outstanding Player Diamond Miller, who scored 15 points and had six assists. “We're always smiling.”
The Terps have won 13 in a row, all by double digits, to earn consideration for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Chloe Bibby led the Terps with 21 points, including 11 with three 3-pointers in the opening quarter. Seven of eight players who scored early had more than one basket. Each half started with top-seeded Maryland hitting a 3-pointer on the opening possession.
“I thought they were just dialed in from start to finish,” Frese said.
This has been an emotional season for the Terps and Frese. Here father
On Tuesday, Frese announced her father, Bill Frese, is battling prostate cancer.
“We had 89 wonderful years with my dad,” said Brenda Frese. “We are not ready to let him go.”
Coach Frese said the cancer has spread to his bones.
Frese was named Big Ten Coach of the Year this season, her fourth time receiving the honor. She has led the Terrapins to six conference tournament titles including an NCAA Championship in 2006.