Maryland Women Beat Virginia Tech in Exhibition Game
The Terrapins secured a 93-82 victory over the Hokies at the XFINITY Center.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Do you believe exhibition games are necessary for college basketball teams to prepare for the season?
Maryland women's basketball defeated Virginia Tech 93-82 in an exhibition matchup in College Park. The game marked the return of Bri McDaniel to the starting lineup following an ACL injury suffered in early 2025.
Why it matters
This exhibition provided a crucial test for the Maryland roster as they prepare for a challenging non-conference schedule. The performance showcased scoring depth and the integration of returning talent ahead of the official season opener.
Maryland shooting efficiency reached 50.8% from the field while Virginia Tech was held to 43.8%. The high-foul contest featured 25 fouls by Virginia Tech and 24 by Maryland.
The players
Bri McDaniel
She is a member of the Maryland women's basketball team who returned to the court after recovering from a significant knee injury.
Oluchi Okananwa
She is a standout performer for the Maryland women's basketball program who led the team in scoring during this exhibition.
Nunu Agara
She is a key player for Maryland who recorded double-digit scoring output against Virginia Tech.
Trinity Jones
She is a new addition to the Maryland roster who made her unofficial college debut during the exhibition.
The details
Oluchi Okananwa led the scoring effort with 23 points, while Nunu Agara added 20 points in the win. Bri McDaniel contributed 17 points in 26 minutes, and Trinity Jones tallied 7 points during her unofficial college debut.
Timeline
January 14, 2025: Bri McDaniel suffered a torn ACL.
October 19, 2026: Maryland defeated Virginia Tech in an exhibition game.
October 24, 2026: Maryland hosts North Carolina for an exhibition game.
November 2, 2026: Maryland plays South Carolina in Paris.
Season Trajectory
This victory serves as a foundational step for Maryland as they calibrate their roster against high-major competition before traveling to Paris. The result helps the coaching staff assess depth and lineup chemistry as they gear up for a high-stakes matchup against South Carolina.
Fans should note that Bri McDaniel successfully returned to the starting lineup after playing 26 minutes. Additionally, the team's ability to maintain high field goal shooting while managing significant foul trouble will be key to monitoring in the upcoming games against North Carolina.
The takeaway
Maryland demonstrated efficient offensive capabilities by shooting over 50 percent from the floor in this exhibition opener. The team will look to carry this momentum into their high-profile international season debut.
What happens next
Maryland will host North Carolina for an exhibition game on October 24, 2026, followed by the official season opener against South Carolina in Paris on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
Find more coverage on the team's performance at the Basketball section.
Live Poll
Do you believe exhibition games are necessary for college basketball teams to prepare for the season?
