COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Hartford women's basketball team dropped its final non-conference test of the season on Saturday 72-40 to #9 Maryland in the title game of the Terrapin Classic. The Hawks (9-4 overall) were led by senior Daphne Elliott who finished with nine points, while Ruthanne Doherty chipped in eight.

Hartford was held to just 27 percent shooting for the afternoon on 16-of-59 from the field. Also among the leading scorers for Hartford Nikkia Smith with six and Shanise Bultron who added five. After shooting 59 percent on their home floor in the opening half, the Hawks defense held the Terrapins to just 30 percent (9-of-30) in the second half including 0-of-5 from beyond the arc. Maryland did finish the second 20 minutes 13-of-14 at the line, and 20-of-24 at the free throw line overall.

The Terrapins finished with two players contributing a double double led by Alyssa Thomas who finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Alicia DeVaughn added 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Hartford did finish the game with a season low nine turnovers, while forcing Maryland into nine. Of the Hawks 16 total shots 12 came by way of direct passes as Alyssa Englert and Bultron both finished with four of the Hawks 12 assists.

Hartford will now break for the New Year's holiday before opening conference play at Binghamton on Wednesday, January 2, 2013. The Hawks and Bearcats will tip-off the league season in Vestal at 7:00 p.m. in what is a rematch of a quarterfinal match-up last season in the conference championship as the Bearcats knocked the Hawks out of title contention.