Brenda Frese was extremely uncomfortable Monday night, and it had nothing to do with carrying twins.
The Maryland women?s basketball coach, who is 35 weeks pregnant, watched from home as the Terrapins fell behind by a season-worst 21 points before rallying to defeat Virginia Tech, 74-71, in overtime.
“If watching that game didn?t make me go into labor, I should be in good shape,” joked Frese, who is not allowed to travel with the team under doctor?s orders. “Unfortunately, everyone picked the same day to have their worst game of the year. To their credit, they rallied back at a place where we always have trouble and was able to come away with a win.”
It marked the third time fourth-ranked Maryland (24-2, 8-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) has gone into overtime in its past four games entering tonight?s game at 7 against Virginia at Comcast Center. The Terrapins won the first meeting against the Cavaliers, 74-62, on Jan. 18.
Against Virginia Tech, Maryland trailed for just the third time at intermission this season. Previously, Maryland?s largest halftime deficit was at UCLA on Nov. 25, when it trailed by 16 points before coming back for a 79-75 win.
A big reason for Maryland?s comeback against Virginia Tech was junior point guard Kristi Toliver, who scored 28 points, including making two free throws in the final seconds to secure the win.
Frese said Toliver, who averages a team-high 17.1 points and eight assists per game, and the rest of the team can?t commit 25 turnovers if they expect to defeat Virginia.
“We didn?t get off to the start we had anticipated or play with the sense of urgency we needed to on Monday,” Toliver said. “Most of the turnovers we had were due to mental errors and weren?t forced against Virginia Tech. It?s not our intention to have games like that, but being able to come back like that will only help come tournament time.”
Virginia (17-5, 5-1) has won four straight and 11 of its past 12 following a 88-43 non-conference win over Morehead State on Monday. The Cavaliers have three players averaging in double figures in scoring, led by sophomore guard Monica Wright?s 17.4 points per game. Virginia is trying to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years.
No. 4 Maryland vs. Virginia
TERRAPINS (24-2, 8-1 ACC) VS.
CAVALIERS (17-5, 5-1)
» Tipoff: Tonight, 7
» Where: Comcast Center
» TV/Radio: CSN, 1300 AM
