The Virginia women's basketball team heads into a tough conference matchup tonight at 7:30 at the University of Maryland's Cole Field House.
The Cavaliers (14-9, 5-5 ACC) are looking to improve on their most recent 71-56 loss to N.C. State on Thursday.
Virginia's leading scorer, sophomore forward Schuye LaRue, had 16 points and 16 rebounds against the Wolfpack but turned the ball over a game-high 12 times.
Holding on to the ball will be key for the Cavs after their disastrous performance at N.C. State. With 28 total turnovers - 17 in the first half - Virginia dug its own grave early and never recovered. The Terps will look to capitalize on just that kind of opportunity.
A bright spot in Thursday's game for Virginia was the return of forward Dean'na Mitchelson, who missed two games with a high ankle sprain she suffered against Duke on Jan. 22. Although the senior captain had only three points and five rebounds against the 'Pack, she provided some much-needed leadership on the court.
Meanwhile Virginia still struggles to find a consistent lineup and an experienced leader. When the Cavaliers pulled within four points of N.C. State on Thursday, coach Debbie Ryan said the team was simply "unaware" how vital a big play was at that point and admitted that the team made "bad decisions on the half-court set" throughout.
Virginia will need strong play from LaRue, junior guard Telisha Quarles, who had 16 points and four rebounds against N.C. State, and senior forward Svetlana Volnaya, who added 11 points.
Maryland (15-6, 6-4) is on a five-game winning streak. The Terps beat No. 17 Clemson, 68-62, at Littlejohn Coliseum on Thursday in their second victory over the Tigers this season.
Maryland guard Marche' Strickland scored 27 points to lead the Terps, and teammate Deedee Warley added 18 points and 10 rebounds to the win.
The Terps were especially strong on the boards, out-rebounding Clemson 41-28. They also had a remarkable 78.3 percent accuracy on free throws.
Unlike the Cavaliers, who found themselves playing a game of catch-up against N.C. State, the Terps traded the lead with Clemson several times. Clemson silenced Maryland's 30-18 lead with a 14-0 run before halftime.
Maryland answered back in the second half with a 13-0 run of their own, with Warley scoring 10 of the 13 points.
Maryland's final six-point streak was too much for the Tigers, and the Terps had an ACC road win to boast about.
With fewer turnovers and more team play, Virginia might boast the same.
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