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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Terps relieved; Top Huskers to hit Sweet 16

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Fortunately for Maryland, playing outstanding basketball isn’t a prerequisite for entering the round of 16 in the NCAA women’s tournament.

The Terrapins were better than Nebraska on Tuesday night, and that’s all that mattered to a relieved No. 1 seed after a 76-64 victory.

“I don’t think we played our best. We did enough to advance, and that’s what it’s about,” said guard Kristi Toliver, who scored 19 points but had six of Maryland’s 14 turnovers.

Marissa Coleman also scored 19, and Crystal Langhorne had 18 points and 12 rebounds to help the Terrapins win after they blew a 15-point lead.

Maryland (32-3) will next face fourth-seeded Vanderbilt (25-8) on Saturday in the semifinals of the Spokane Regional.

Getting this far is no small feat for the Terps. In their previous seven appearances, they made it to the Sweet 16 only once – on their way to winning the 2006 national championship.

“We’re going to the Sweet 16, so as much as people want to say Maryland this and Maryland that, we’re still there and we’re going to be ready for Vandy,” forward Laura Harper said.

Yvonne Turner scored a career-high 23 points for the Cornhuskers (21-12), who performed well in an unfriendly environment.

“This is a very difficult place to play, especially playing the No. 1 seed on their home court,” Nebraska coach Connie Yori said. “They did a lot of things in the second half that enabled them to pull away from us.”