"I feel like we won this game for 39 minutes," Wirth said. She barely knew what hit her. Coleman had 13 points and five rebounds in the final 6:12
When it was over, the Maryland locker room wasn't beaming over her offensive production. Sure, the Terps needed every one of those points, but Coleman brings so much more to the table. If Saturday's game is any indication, Maryland could need everything she has if they're to advance to the Final Four.
"I think the biggest intangible with Marissa is her heart," Frese said, "her will to win."
Throughout the game, Coleman was aware of the scoreboard. She knew her team was struggling. She kept reminding herself any game could be her last. That's why she needed the ball in her hands. That's why she called for the toughest defensive assignment when the game was on the line. And that's why she took the shot with the score tied and less than a minute to play. Coleman has taken full responsibility for the Terps' fate.
"I love playing with this team; I love wearing the uniform," she said. "That's what I told myself every time: I was going to defend, rebound, whatever I needed to do to keep my career here going."
Her individual performance overshadowed a relatively unimpressive game for the Terps. Despite finishing with 17 points, Toliver committed costly turnovers and was hampered by fouls. Kizer struggled to score against smaller defenders, and Marah Strickland finished with just one point and a single field-goal attempt, her worst outing of the season.
The Terps were flustered by the Commodores' defensive intensity, they allowed a smaller team to be the aggressor, and they struggled to control the ball, the tempo and at times, their emotions.
Frese called the game a "definite wake-up call," as the Terps prepare for a Louisville team whose coach, Jeff Walz, was a Maryland assistant for the 2006 national championship.
"This is how it is in the NCAA tournament," Frese said. "Everything's going to be a battle."
Maryland was fortunate to escape. And even more fortunate to have a player like Coleman, who is as determined as anyone in this tournament to make sure her last game is for the championship.
After what she did Saturday, nothing she does should surprise. If she does start flapping her arms, it might be wise to look up. Coleman's capable of anything.
NCAA REGIONAL FINAL
MARYLAND WOMEN (31-4) VS. LOUISVILLE (32-4)
Monday, 7 p.m.
Raleigh, N.C.
TV: ESPN
