Happy Monday! If you’re heading back to work and looking for ways to procrastinate, I recommend watching this one-minute clip of Maryland’s improbable comeback win over Minnesota on repeat.
The Terrapins were down nine points with 44.3 seconds left in double-overtime when they mounted the comeback, starting with two free throws from Saylor Poffenbarger. The senior, who finished with 30 points and 10 rebounds, also scored the game-winning layup.
But a lot happened between her free throws and the game-winner. Kyndal Walker snagged a steal and finished an and-1 with 37 seconds left, before Oluchi Okananwa did the same just two seconds later. The Terrapins then forced a turnover before Yarden Garzon found Poffenbarger on an inbounds play to secure the wild win.
It was a classic Maryland victory, just with the chaos and ferocity turned up to 100. Because through their first 11 victories, the Terrapins have done it with a total team effort. They’ve taken whatever has come their way and somehow, made the most of it.
Prior to the game against Minnesota, Kaylene Smikle, who led the Terps with 17.9 points per game last season, announced that she would be having season-ending surgery to deal with a nagging knee injury that she had been attempting to play through. The announcement comes after two other Maryland guards, Lea Bartelme and Ava McKennie also had their seasons ended by injury.
But despite the emotions of dealing with injuries and the dwindling roster, Maryland once again found a way. I hate to see the injuries, but I love watching Maryland show off its resilience.
Maryland may have had the most impressive win of the week, but the top stat line comes from the great state of Texas. Keep reading for that, plus a few other things that caught my basketball-loving eyes.
Megan Nestor goes absolutely crazy
No need for anyone to post individual statlines for the rest of the season, because no one is touching what North Texas’ Megan Nestor just did. The senior forward led the Mean Green to an 81-52 win over Texas Southern on a 34-point, 31-rebound performance. Let me say it again so it really sinks in: She had 34 points and 31 rebounds!
That marks just the third time since the 1981-82 season that a Division I player has recorded a 30-point, 30-rebound game. But even more impressive? She outrebounded Texas Southern on her own, 31-25.
All of that is insanely impressive, but the best part about Nestor’s feat is how her teammates reacted. When she grabbed her 30th rebound and completed the putback, Nestor backpedaled down the court smiling, only to be chased down and mobbed by her teammates. Jazzy Owens-Barnett literally jumped into Nestor’s arms.
It was an individual accomplishment, but the Mean Green celebrated it as a unit, which is what this sport is all about.
My most important reporting yet
When I was in Vegas for Thanksgiving, I got the chance to sit down for a one-on-one with Texas guard Rori Harmon. She’s one of the most insightful players I've ever interviewed, thinking every question through and giving smart, in-depth answers. We chatted about all things Texas, passing and breaking records, but I also snuck in a question that I’ve always wanted to ask.
What’s the deal with Vic Schaefer and his jacket?
Harmon delivered.
Schaefer, she said, is aware that people are on #jacketwatch, and that sometimes influences when he chooses to take it off.
“Some games, you can tell the energy shifts,” Harmon said. “He’s already heated. He’s just trying his best to keep it together. I know he sees all the people talking about it, and sometimes I think he tries to prove a point by keeping it on longer.
“But we all know, when the jacket comes off, it changes. He’s always locked in, but when the jacket comes off, it’s like he wants to jump in and sub himself into the game.”
Aaliyah Chavez’s first 30-piece
The country’s No. 3 ranked recruit came into the season with high expectations and so far, she’s delivering. Chavez is a high-volume shooter who can pull off some wild, momentum-changing makes. But that also means she’s going to take questionable shots from time-to-time. That’s something you can live with, and also something that will become less common as her game matures. Right now, I’m loving what I’m seeing.
First, Oklahoma was the perfect place for Chavez. Jennie Baranczyk’s fast-pace style allows for a lot of shot attempts. She also gives her players a ton of freedom to create shots from anywhere on the floor– something that is important to Chavez’s exciting style of play.
Chavez’s shooting from two-point range needs to improve (she’s currently making 39.2 percent of her attempts) but that’s not uncommon for a freshman who is adjusting to bigger, stronger defenders.
Second, I’ve been impressed with her decision-making. Her assist-to-turnover ratio sits at 2-1, which is a solid mark for someone who handles the ball as much as she does. She’s also a willing passer, who doesn’t mind giving up the ball if a better shot is available.
Which brings me to my third point: She’s still going to call her number more times than not. And that’s a good thing, because Chavez is a true scorer. This week, in a 103-98 overtime win over NC State, she dropped 33 points – her first 30-point performance of the season – and did it in a variety of ways. More of those are certainly coming, and I for one cannot wait to see her game continue to develop.
A baby worth balling for
No. 24 Oklahoma put on an offensive show in a 133-46 win over Mississippi Valley State — A team whose mascot, by the way, is the Devilettes. Hate that, but I digress. — What’s important here is that OSU scored 133 points, and when you check in on the Cowgirls’ social media accounts, it’s easy to see why. Coach Jacie Hoyt’s baby, Harlow, is parading the sidelines in tiny baby Jordan’s and a sweet black track suit. Harlow was cheering her little heart out. If that was my No. 1 fan, I’d drop 133 points, too.
Also, the fit is just run of the mill for Harlow. Last season, OSU point guard Jadyn Wooten told me that she is routinely the best dressed person in the Oklahoma State locker room. Super fan and fashion icon? You go, girl.
Wholesome alert
When Utah State came to LA to play Loyola Marymount on Friday, the USC Trojans all came out to support former teammate Aaliyah Gayles. In April of 2022, Gales was shot nine times at a house party. The former No. 8 recruit in the country endured a long rehab process before playing for the Trojans for the first time, 574 days after the devastating incident. She played two seasons at USC, before transferring to Utah State this season. When she made the decision, USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb posted her support on a social media post from the Gayles family, stating, “Love you all. Forever here for AG3 and family.”
That statement proved true on Friday, when several members of the Trojans team and coaching staff showed up to cheer on Gayles.