MM 3.19: Maryland women’s basketball players speak out about conditions in NCAA bubble

The women’s basketball community is beside itself after seeing a comparison between the NCAA Men’s Tournament bubble setup compared to that of the NCAA Women’s Tournament.

The NCAA faced heavy criticism on social media after a Stanford women’s basketball performance coach posted a picture that displays the difference between the facilities.

One of the differences is that the women do not have access to dumbbells over 30 pounds until they reach the Sweet Sixteen, which is a huge damper to training.

In response, Maryland assistant director of basketball performance Keith Pough posted a series of videos showing the Maryland women’s basketball team lifting throughout the season, including this one of senior guard Katie Benzan lifting double her body weight.

To make matters worse, the “swag bags” each team and staff member received also illustrate major differences. Maryland women’s basketball senior forward Chloe Bibby and freshman forward Angel Reese voiced their frustrations on Twitter.

In a statement Thursday night, NCAA VP of women’s basketball Lynn Holzman acknowledged the lack of amenities is because there is a limited amount of space but also added they are actively working to improve the current facilities.

In Other News

Maryland women’s basketballs’ Alaysia Styles recently launched a clothing brand that donates a portion of its proceeds to single-parent households.

Maryland women’s lacrosse attacker Hannah Leubecker had her second seven-goal game of the season in a 14-9 win over Ohio State yesterday.

Maryland men’s soccer is looking to extend its winning streak to three in a home match against Michigan State today.

Maryland field hockey will play at home for the first time since October 2019 with a pair of matchups against Indiana this weekend.

After sweeping Iowa last weekend, Maryland volleyball is in Champaign to take on Illinois this weekend.

On the latest episode of the Testudo Times podcast, Matt and Lila talk about what you need to know regarding both basketball teams starting NCAA Tournament play.

Maryland athletics poked some fun at Duke men’s basketball team yesterday with this reply.

Maryland women’s basketball had its first practice of the NCAA tournament.

Maryland men’s lacrosse posted a cinematic recap of its 19-12 win against Rutgers from March 13.

Maryland women’s golf head coach Diana Cantu was named an assistant coach for the International team at this year’s Arnold Palmer Cup.