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Takeaways: Brianna Fraser helps Maryland defeat James Madison

By Jasmine Brown

COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 08: Maryland Terrapins forward Brianna Fraser (34) with forward Shakira Austin (1) during a lull in the play during a women's college basketball game between the University of Maryland and James Madison University on Dec 08, 2018, at Xfinity Center, in College Park, Maryland.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - DECEMBER 08: Maryland Terrapins forward Brianna Fraser (34) with forward Shakira Austin (1) during a lull in the play during a women's college basketball game between the University of Maryland and James Madison University on Dec 08, 2018, at Xfinity Center, in College Park, Maryland.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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A big performance from the senior inspired a rout.

College Park, MD — Senior Brianna Fraser scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, leading No. 7 Maryland past James Madison 87-63 Saturday. Their stellar defense helped them to score 40 points off 23 turnovers and their front court was dominant, outscoring James Madison 42-22 in the paint.

“That’s a really good team that we beat, a team that’s been so consistent in their conference and picked to win it all. We are really proud of the consistency and effort that we came out with,” Maryland coach Brenda Frese told reporters following the game.

Here’s what we learned:

Brianna Fraser was the difference maker

Brianna Fraser scored 24 points and matched her career-high in a sensational performance. Fraser played bully ball and every chance she had, grabbing offensive rebounds and taking them right back to the hoop. James Madison was a pretty pesky team, but Fraser showed no mercy, utilizing her size advantage throughout.

“I’m really proud of Bri,” Frese said. “I had a fun moment with her in the game  I told her I had a problem that she was playing so hard that I couldn’t take her off the floor and I told her I think that was the best game of her career that she played tonight. I’m excited for what’s going to follow because this is who Bri is and just for her to understand how valuable she is to our team and how she makes us better. She put her head down and went to work. I’m most proud of that. She cares so much about her team and what she can bring to the table and [it was great] to see it pay off for her today.”

Kaila Charles is the glue for this team

Charles also scored 24 points vital to subdue a Dukes team that is picked to win the CAA.

“They had no answer for Kaila to start the game,” Frese said about Charles. ” I thought her transition game was really strong. Then, they had no answer for Taylor [Mikesell] on the perimeter and how she led from the point position. Bri [Fraser] puts our team at another level when she’s as locked in as she was today. It just incredible to be able to watch. We’ve had the week to be able to practice, and I thought that this week we were able to take a step forward defensively as well as offensively.”

Turnovers are still stifling the team

The Terps had 15 turnovers and allowed James Madison to score 23 points off of their turnovers. Big Ten Conference play is approaching soon and this team has got to tighten up on their handling of the ball, especially since the conference does not look like they are going to allow Maryland to cruise to another regular season championship.

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