The Maryland women's basketball team's third game of the season was a captivating blend of nostalgia and clarity. The contest reignited an old rivalry as the Terps battled Duke for the first time in nearly a decade, with the Final Four team that won the 2015 matchup being honored during the second quarter. However, the game also provided answers to the most pressing questions facing the Terps entering this season, as a team full of newcomers came together to produce a cohesive unit and secure an impressive 85-80 victory over the 11th-ranked Blue Devils.

Terps Triumph in Rivalry Renewal, Showcase Promising Future

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

The Maryland-Duke rivalry has a rich history, with the two teams having been conference foes in the past. The 2015 Sweet 16 matchup, which Maryland won en route to its fifth Final Four appearance, was a significant moment in the rivalry's history. As the Terps prepared to face Duke for the first time in nearly a decade, head coach Brenda Frese took on the role of a history teacher, ensuring her players understood the legacy and significance of the game."Most of my players weren't familiar with the history between Maryland and Duke, a realization Frese joked 'dates her' when it became her job to talk with them about what the game would mean," the article notes. However, the players quickly grasped the importance of the rivalry, and the game proved to be a "really proud moment" for the program.

A Team of Newcomers Comes Together

The game also provided an answer to the question that had been looming over the Terps entering the season: how long would it take this team full of newcomers to gel and become a cohesive unit? The answer, it seems, was just three games.With a roster that includes several transfers, the Terps were faced with the challenge of combining diverse skill sets and backgrounds to produce a winning team. However, their 85-80 victory over the 11th-ranked Blue Devils demonstrated that the team has already found its rhythm."These games early, you're really trying to learn about your team," Frese said. "There were a lot of questions with a lot of new players. They just continue to show us what they've shown in practice."The Terps' performance was led by standout performances from several players, including Kaylene Smikle, a Rutgers transfer who poured in 23 points, and Villanova transfer Christina Dalce, who grabbed 14 rebounds and played stifling defense. Shyanne Sellers and Bri McDaniel also made significant contributions, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Terps' roster.

A Promising Start to the Season

The victory over Duke was the Terps' third win of the season, and they have now produced an average margin of victory of more than 23 points. While two of those wins came against UMBC and Coppin State, the triumph over a top-ranked perennial contender like Duke proved that the Terps' early success was no fluke."I wish I could say I'm surprised, but I'm not," Sellers said. "This is one of the most fearless groups I've ever been a part of in my four years here."The Terps' performance has not only erased the disappointment of last season's finish but has also raised expectations for the team's potential this year. With a roster that has seamlessly blended new and returning players, Maryland has shown that it has the talent and chemistry to compete with the best teams in the country.The Terps' victory over Duke was the first of a two-game home-and-home series between the former conference rivals, with the teams set to meet again at Duke in 2026. For Kara Lawson, the Blue Devils' coach, the opportunity to play Maryland was one she had been seeking since taking the job."I've been trying to play here since I got the job," Lawson said. "I'll play up this area every year. I was just waiting for somebody to say yes."The renewed rivalry between Maryland and Duke has rekindled the excitement and anticipation surrounding women's basketball in the region, and the Terps' impressive start to the season has only added to the buzz. With a roster that has quickly gelled and a coaching staff that has instilled a winning mentality, the Terps are poised to make a deep run in the postseason and cement their status as one of the top programs in the country.