Maryland and Norfolk State square off in opening round of NCAA Tournament
Norfolk State Spartans (30-4, 17-0 MEAC) at Maryland Terrapins (23-7, 13-6 Big Ten)
College Park, Maryland; Saturday, 4 p.m. EDT
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Terrapins -16.5; over/under is 145.5
BOTTOM LINE: No. 18 Maryland plays in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Norfolk State.
The Terrapins have gone 13-6 against Big Ten teams, with a 10-1 record in non-conference play. Maryland ranks fourth in the Big Ten with 11.3 offensive rebounds per game led by Christina Dalce averaging 3.7.
The Spartans are 17-0 against MEAC opponents. Norfolk State averages 13.1 turnovers per game and is 26-2 when turning the ball over less than opponents.
Maryland makes 46.6% of its shots from the field this season, which is 10.2 percentage points higher than Norfolk State has allowed to its opponents (36.4%). Norfolk State averages 5.1 more points per game (74.4) than Maryland allows to opponents (69.3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Shyanne Sellers is averaging 14.1 points and 4.2 assists for the Terrapins. Kaylene Smikle is averaging 18.1 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 45.5% over the last 10 games.
Diamond Johnson is shooting 34.9% from beyond the arc with 2.0 made 3-pointers per game for the Spartans, while averaging 19.2 points, six rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.6 steals. Kierra Wheeler is shooting 53.8% and averaging 15.9 points over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Terrapins: 7-3, averaging 78.6 points, 31.0 rebounds, 14.4 assists, 5.4 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 76.8 points per game.
Spartans: 10-0, averaging 80.1 points, 31.3 rebounds, 15.8 assists, 15.1 steals and 6.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 50.6 points.
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Women's CBK AP Top 25: South Carolina Is No. 1, While New-Look UCLA Slips
What Was Going On In Sports, Pop Culture Last Time Brewers Reached World Series?
All Eyes Are On UCLA, USC Women's Basketball Ahead Of Big Ten Competition
NCAA Sues Ohio Governor Over Order Allowing Schools To Ignore Eligibility Rule
No More 'Surprise' At Vanderbilt: Coach Shea Ralph Sets Sights On Championships
