Created: 11/23/2013 8:35 PM
(AP) TOWSON, Md. - Alyssa Thomas had 15 points and 12 rebounds, and No. 8 Maryland used a late run in the first half to pull away for a 90-53 victory over Towson on Saturday night.
Lauren Mincey and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough added 14 points each for Maryland (4-1), which has won two straight. The Terrapins improved to 14-5 all-time against the Tigers (1-4).
Tanisha McTiller led Towson with a season-high 25 points. Dominique Johnson added 11 points for the Tigers, who have lost two in a row.
Brene Mosely had 11 points and Brionna Jones 10 for Maryland.
Thomas had five points during the decisive 12-0 run late in the first half that blew the game open. Maryland’s bench outscored Towson’s reserves 56-7.
The Tigers frustrated Maryland with a zone defense early, and Towson was content to patiently work the ball on offense, draining the 30-second clock in search of high-percentage shots.
Two free throws by Dominique Johnson pulled Towson within 22-21 with 6:46 remaining in the first half before the Terrapins turned up the pressure over a three-minute stretch.
Jones knocked down two foul shots, Thomas converted a steal into a three-point play and then followed with a transition layup for a 29-21 edge. Jones’ three-point play and two free throws by Mincey extended the lead to 13.
Johnson’s 3 from the left wing ended the burst, but the damage was done.