After defeating their first two opponents in the Women's National Invitation Tournament by a combined 70 points, Maryland saw its season end with a 77-64 loss to Providence in a third-round game Thursday at Comcast Center in College Park.
The Terps, who had trailed by 11 early in the second half, used a 10-0 run to get within one point with 15:30 remaining. The Friars responded with a 9-0 run to push their lead to 53-43 lead with 13:21 left.
Maryland made another run, getting within six (61-55) heading into the eight-minute media timeout, and making it a four-point game with 7:13 left to play. It proved to be as close as the Terrapins would get the rest of the way.
Maryland (21-13) finishes the year with its sixth straight 20-win season. The Friars (19-14) advance to the quarterfinals and will host Miami on Sunday.
Brittany Dorsey led Providence with 20 points, three assists and three steals. Emily Cournoyer added 14 points and Mi-Khida Hankins (St. Frances) chipped in 13 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
Lynetta Kizer recorded a double double for Maryland, 10 points and 13 rebounds. Tianna Hawkins scored a team-best 14 points, and Lori Bjork added 13. Dara Taylor had a game-high seven assists.
Maryland shot 52.1 percent from the field and made eight 3-pointers, six of which came from Bjork and Kim Rodgers. The Terps finished with 30 rebounds to the Friars' 26.
