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Toliver, Maryland cruise to easy win over George Mason

Nov 12, 2006 - 10:50 PM COLLEGE PARK, Maryland (Ticker) -- Just two days after barely holding on for a season-opening victory, defending national champion Maryland barely broke a sweat in its home opener.

Kristi Toliver scored 16 points and Ashleigh Newman added 16 points and six assists off the bench as top-ranked Maryland cruised to a 99-43 triumph over George Mason.

Returning all five starters from last season's championship squad, the Terrapins (2-0) began their title defense with a sloppy 80-76 victory at Middle Tennessee State on Thursday.

But after unveiling their 2006 championship banner, the Terrapins bounced back with a complete performance against the Patriots (0-1), building a 50-20 halftime cushion and cruising after the break.

Jade Perry collected 15 points and five rebounds, fellow reserve Christie Marrone chipped in 12 points and seven assists and Crystal Langhorne scored 14 for Maryland, which shot 66 percent (38-of-58) from the floor despite not playing its starters in the second half.

Lateisha Wade scored 15 points for George Mason, which shot just 26 percent (13-of-51) while committing 27 turnovers.