Memborable Day for Coach Frese: Birth and a Sweep

Feb. 5, 1993. That was the last time Maryland swept the season series from Duke. Until today. Thanks to a stellar effort from Crystal Langhorne and Kristi Toliver, the Terps made the first few hours of Markus and Tyler's lives an enjoyable. If you don't know who Markus and Tyler are, watch this:



Feb. 17 will now go down in Maryland history as not only a season sweep of Duke, but the birth of Brenda's two children. The boys were also smart enough to arrive before 11 so that mom and dad could take photos, etc and then be ready for the 5:30 tip. Luckily, Brenda's other "kids" decided to put Brenda and Mark at ease by coming out from the start and being the aggressor. After a Abby Waner 3 at 16:47 (she shot it from nearly half court) cut the gap to 3, Duke never got any closer.

Overall, I think we played a good game. We essentially dominated Duke on both ends most and the game was a lot closer than the score indicated thanks in part to the refs swallowing their whistles (somehow in the men's game you can't be forced out, but in the women's game you can). We controlled the boards and every time Duke tried to get back in the game we either made a basket or a defensive stop (including the first-ever double block I have witnessed). Offensively, we played well attacking Duke in the post and hitting most of our open jumpers.

We had too many turnovers for my liking, but some of that has to be attributed to the refs letting Duke be physical and not calling it. Also, I think too often we look for the foul call instead of playing through it. Kristi also has to pass the ball and not try to dribble through everyone. I was disappointed that Newman and Strickland didn't shoot as well as Thursday. Ashleigh had a big steal and played good defense, but she missed a lay up and an open jumper (someone get her sick again). Strickland missed two wide open threes and a free throw (first of her career). I was pleasantly surprised how we handled the trap and confused Duke with our zone.

The win now clinches the two seed for us in the ACC Tournament. We still need UNC to lose twice and their remaining schedule includes Miami, NC State and Duke. If we stay as the two seed we would play the winner of the 7/10 match up on the second day (Currently that is Florida State/Miami).

Now a week off before Sunday's senior day against Florida State. You may want to ge their early as this senior class has a ton of accomplishments.

Congrats to Crystal for another school record - 826 made field goals.