No. 14 Maryland narrowly defeats Penn State 82-73 in close contest

In a tightly contested matchup, No. 14 Maryland women's basketball narrowly defeated Penn State 82-73 at Rec Hall, despite leading by as much as 20 points in the second half. Maryland's strong start included an 8-0 run, but Penn State rallied in the fourth quarter with a full-court press that forced turnovers, bringing the game within two points late. Sarah Te-Biasu led Maryland with a season-high 20 points, while Gracie Merkle scored 24 for Penn State, showcasing her dominance in the paint. Head coach Brenda Frese emphasized the need for improved defensive intensity after her team faced challenges late in the game. The win marked a critical moment for Maryland, who had struggled in previous games without key players, including Shyanne Sellers, who returned but played limited minutes. The intimate atmosphere of Rec Hall provided an energized crowd that significantly impacted the Lady Lions' performance, reinforcing the importance of fan support in college basketball.