COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Senior guard Monica Wright (Woodbridge, Va.) scored 12-consecutive points to open the second half, finished with 34 for the game and led No. 24 Virginia to an 82-68 victory at Maryland Monday night.
It was Virginia’s first win in College Park since Feb. 20, 2003 (a 71-67 victory). The win improved UVa’s record to 17-6 overall and 6-3 in the ACC, while Maryland’s record dropped to 16-8 (3-6 ACC).
Wright also moved into fourth place on the ACC’s all-time scoring list, passing NC State’s Linda Page (1982-85; 2,307 points) and now has 2,327 for her career. It was her fifth 30-point game of the season.
Virginia built a 10-point lead in the first half when Paulisha Kellum banked in jumpshot from the free throw area to put the Cavaliers up, 16-6, with 12:25 left in the period. Later in the stanza, with UVa up, 20-11, Maryland put together a run to tie the game at 26-26 on a jumper by Dara Taylor at the 3:59 mark.
After a timeout by Virginia, Maryland continued to rally and the Terrapins extended their lead to four points at three separate points in the waning minutes of the half and led 35-32 at the break.
Wright scored 12-consecutive points for Virginia to open the second half and put UVa up, 44-40, at the 15:53 mark. The Cavaliers stretched their lead throughout the second half and never trailed again.
Ariana Moorer (Woodbridge, Va.) and Chelsea Shine (Wayne, Pa.) added 10 points apiece for Virginia.
Wright finished 11-for-20 from the field and 10-for-11 from the free throw line. She also contributed four steals and three assists.
Maryland was led by Tianna Hawkins’ 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Up next, Virginia travels to Miami for a Thursday (Feb. 11) match-up.
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Courtesy: VirginiaSports.com