BALTIMORE (AP) — Katie Benzan scored 17 of her 22 points in the first half, and No. 6 Maryland rolled to a 98-52 victory over Coppin State on Tuesday.
Chloe Bibby added 14 points for the Terrapins, who eased out of a difficult stretch of their schedule with this victory over an in-state opponent. Maryland was coming off a 66-59 loss at top-ranked South Carolina on Dec. 12.
The Terps (10-3) haven't been at full strength for much of this season. Benzan missed three games last month — all against top-10 opponents — because of an illness. Diamond Miller has been having knee problems.
Both looked healthy Tuesday. Benzan made five of her six 3-pointers in the first half to help Maryland pull away. Miller had 10 points and six rebounds and attacked the rim fearlessly.
During one first-half stretch, Miller caught a pass from Ashley Owusu at full speed and made a layup in transition. Then Miller made a 3-pointer to put the Terps up 44-20.
Coppin State (6-6) is coached by Laura Harper, who played for Maryland coach Brenda Frese when the Terrapins won the national title in 2006.
Mossi Staples led the Eagles with 16 points.
Maryland led 6-5 when Benzan made her first 3-pointer, starting a 12-0 run. It was 56-24 at halftime.
BIG PICTURE
Coppin State: The Eagles gave Benzan too many open looks, but there are only so many things you can take away against an opponent like Maryland.
Maryland: The Terps were sharp after a layoff of more than a week. They would have been heavily favored in this game regardless, but the tough schedule they've played probably made this feel even easier.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Maryland moved up three spots despite being idle for a week, and this game showed how dominant the Terps can be.
UP NEXT
Coppin State: The Eagles play at George Mason next Tuesday.
Maryland: The Terps return to Big Ten play at Illinois on Dec. 30.
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Follow Noah Trister at www.twitter.com/noahtrister
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