In basketball, as was the case for Maryland, a single possession here and there can alter the outcome of a game. It can be cruel, but a shot rolling off the rim or a split-second charge/block call can often prove to be a huge difference, particularly in the final moments of a close matchup.
Not all turnovers should be treated the same. Although each one gives the same result, there can be differences in how a player gives up possession to the other team. In a game that saw a lot of questionable calls, it seemed that even in this aspect, the ball seemed to bounce South Carolina's way.
The Gamecocks were able to win the TO battle. The Terrapins, however, were able to do well in limiting the damage, as the 18 changes in possession only resulted in seven points. Instead, it proved to be the lack of an opportunity for the offense to earn points themselves. In a game that went down to the wire, an extra bucket at any point could have given an entirely different finish sequence.
Early in the fourth quarter, for example, Mir McLean was called for a travel. Securing the defensive board, there can be a lot of bodies around the rebounder, and there can be a lot of contact. For something so minimal that could probably be called on every play, it feels harsh for that to be called against her in that moment.
Frustrating end to Maryland season
There was also the late one called on Shyanne Sellers. In theory, the defender is supposed to be set. This wasn't quite the case, as Sellers heard the whistle blow against her for an offensive foul and the ball going the other way.
Something like that too is usually given as a block, if anything. Although there was something of a nudge, the arm extension was less pronounced, especially in live time, than what is often officiated. In the case of Sellers, both players were trying to contest for their spot around the rim, and a no-call should have been used here.
Finally, the big turnover at the end came off an incredible play by Raven Johnson in which her active hands caused the ball to ever-so-slightly come off the fingertips of Kaylene Smikle in the inbounds pass.
Despite everything, Maryland had an overall good year, and coach Brenda Frese will prepare her roster to repeat and go further next year. For today, Terrapins fans can be understandably frustrated with how everything played out, but they can be highly proud of the program's efforts.