Preview: Maryland Hosts Struggling Central Connecticut COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Interstat) — The undefeated and second-ranked Maryland women’s basketball team faces a stark contrast in competition when it hosts winless Central Connecticut on Friday afternoon at Xfinity Center. The Terrapins (12-0) have dominated their non-conference schedule, winning by an average margin of 34.8 points. Their closest contest was a 100-99 double-overtime road victory at Minnesota on Dec. 7. Maryland is coming off a 91-21 rout of Delaware State on Dec. 10, where Oluchi Okananwa led with 18 points and Kyndal Walker added 13 points and six assists. Walker, a key facilitator, has dished out 17 assists over her last three full games. Maryland’s depth has been overwhelming, with nine players averaging 14 or more minutes per game. Central Connecticut (0-10) seeks its first victory amid a difficult start. The Blue Devils fell 69-66 to New Hampshire on Wednesday, their narrowest loss of the season. Prior to that, they suffered a 94-56 defeat at Siena on Monday. Guard Jessica Farrell has been a bright spot for Central Connecticut, scoring in double figures in three of her last five games. She poured in a team-high 16 points in 29 minutes against Siena and had 17 points at Saint John’s on Nov. 24. Her playmaking will be tested against Maryland’s pressure defense. The Blue Devils have struggled offensively, failing to reach 60 points in any game this season and averaging just 52.7 points. They face a Maryland defense that has held opponents to 50.8 points per game and under 40 points three times. This matchup is the first-ever meeting between the programs. For Maryland, it serves as a final tune-up before beginning Big Ten Conference play against Wisconsin on Dec. 29. Central Connecticut opens Northeast Conference action at home against Long Island on Jan. 2. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.