Young Oregon advances

Pulls big surprise against Maryland

Oregon’s young players say they feel excited and loose. They play that way, too.

Sabrina Ionescu scored 21 points and fellow freshman Ruthy Hebard had 16 and the 10th-seeded Ducks (23-13) continued their improbable run through the NCAA women’s tournament with a 77-63 victory against Maryland (32-3).

Oregon put five players in double figures on its way to the first regional final in program history.

“We’re just excited about everything,” Ionescu said. “None of our kids have experienced anything like this. So, I think we’re just excited to advance and be able play another day and see where that takes us.”

The Terrapins, who average more than 90 points a game to lead the nation, were held to their lowest point total this season.

Maryland turned the ball over 21 times, leading to 18 Oregon points.

Oregon coach Kelly Graves said before the game that his young team that starts three freshmen might not know it’s not supposed to be winning.

The Ducks became the second No. 10 seed to advance to a regional final, joining the 1991 Lamar team.

More Bridgeport Region

Connecticut 86, UCLA

71: Napheesa Collier had 27 points and 14 rebounds to help Connecticut (36-0) beat UCLA (25-9). The victory was the 110th in a row for the No. 1 Huskies.

Stockton Region

South Carolina 100, Quinnipiac 58: Kaela Davis, A’ja Wilson and South Carolina (30-4) overpowered surprising Quinnipiac (29-7) from the opening tip and routed the 12th-seeded Bobcats.

Florida State 66, Oregon State 53: Ivey Slaughter had a career-high nine steals, a school record in the NCAA tournament, and Florida State (28-6) used a strong team defensive effort to beat Oregon