Maryland Women’s Basketball Faces Murray State in NCAA Tournament Round of 64
Chapel Hill, NC – The Maryland Terrapins are set to battle the Murray State Racers in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Terps Ready for Tournament Play
Maryland (seed not specified) enters the tournament with a program built on consistent success. Head coach Brenda Frese is leading the Terrapins to their 16th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. We want to continue to extend this season for our seniors,”
Frese said. We are playing for them and playing for one another, just ready to receive down there.”
Scouting the Murray State Racers
Murray State (31-3, 19-1 Missouri Valley Conference) arrives in Chapel Hill on a 15-game winning streak, having secured the Missouri Valley Conference championship. They are led by head coach Rechelle Turner, who has guided the team to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and earned the 2026 MVC Coach of the Year award.
The Racers have demonstrated a strong offensive prowess, with only three losses on their record. Their losses came against Illinois and South Dakota State.
Key Players to Watch
- Halli Poock (Murray State): A junior guard averaging 22.9 points per game, named the MVC’s Jackie Stiles Player of the Year.
- Sharnecce Currie-Jelks (Murray State): A redshirt junior forward averaging 17.2 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, earning MVC Newcomer of the Year honors.
- Haven Ford (Murray State): A junior guard averaging 17.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
Matchup Breakdown
Offensive Power
Murray State boasts the fifth-highest scoring offense in the nation. They average 31.7 three-pointers attempted per game and 24.7 free throw attempts per game – the second-most in the country. They shoot 79.9% from the free throw line.
Size Difference
Murray State’s key contributors are primarily undersized guards, while Maryland possesses players with greater height.
Inside Scoop & Key Factors
A Coincidental Scouting Advantage: Frese gained an unexpected advantage in scouting Murray State through her family connection. Her niece plays for Evansville, a team Murray State defeated in the conference championship. You get there regardless,”
Frese said. Special coincidence that it would be because I had already started watching that championship game. I knew a little bit more about them before the bracket was unveiled.”
Experience Matters: Maryland has four players with NCAA Tournament experience, providing a potential edge against the Racers.
Senior Send-Off: This tournament represents the final collegiate games for Maryland seniors Mir McLean, Saylor Poffenbarger, and Yarden Garzon.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Where is the game being played?
A: Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. - Q: What time does the game start?
A: 3 p.m. ET. - Q: Where can I watch the game?
A: ESPNU.
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