December 30, 1998

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Senior guard Kelly Gibson scored 20 points and freshman forward Deedee Warley scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds, leading Maryland to a 72-59 win over Richmond in the championship game of the Terrapin Classic at First National Bank of Maryland Court at Cole Field House.

Warley was named the tournament MVP as she scored 42 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in the Terps two wins. Her 23-point performance against Coppin State a day earlier was her career-high.

Maryland (2-9) held a narrow 30-29 lead at halftime, but went on a 25-12 run to open up the second half and clinch its third consecutive Terrapin Classic title.

The Terps, winless and averaging just 48 points a week ago before the season debut of returning starters Gibson and Tiffany Brown, have averaged over 70 points in three games since. Against Richmond, Maryland became the first team this season to hold the Spiders to under 60 points.

Brown, Gibson and freshman Marche Strickland joined Warley on the all-tournament team. Representing Richmond (3-7) was senior center Carolyn Center who paced the Spiders and led all scorers with 21 points.

Massachusetts defeated Coppin State, 82-57, in the consolation game. Tez Kraft and Yolanda Rayside each scored 16 points for the Minutewomen. Kraft was named to the all-tournament team.