The American University faced a tough challenge Sunday afternoon in Bender Arena as No. 6/No. 7 Maryland shot 53.4 percent from the floor and earned a 76-42 victory.

American (5-4) had a difficult time finding its rhythm on the offensive end, shooting only 29.6 percent in the game, including a 2-for-22 clip (9.1 percent) from three-point range. Additionally, Maryland (9-0) had a considerable advantage inside, registering 42 points in the paint compared to only 18 for the Eagles.

"I thought we brought a lot of energy to the floor," remarked Head Coach Matt Corkery. "As the game wore on, we gave them a few too many transition opportunities … but overall I am proud of the effort and how hard we played despite the outcome."

AU opened the game with a Lisa Strack three and held the Terps off the scoreboard for the first 3:42 before an Alyssa Thomas bucket for Maryland. After a layup by Arron Zimmerman and a long jumper by Alexis Dobbs, the Eagles drew to within 8-7 with 12:31 to play in the opening half.

But Maryland scored the game's next 11 points over a four-minute stretch to open up a 19-7 advantage and eventually took a 20-point lead late in the half. After trailing 38-16 at halftime, Dobbs opened the second half with a three to cut the deficit to 38-19, marking the final time AU got the game under 20.

Geleisa George led American in scoring, registering team-bests with 10 points and six rebounds off the bench, both of which were career-bests. She was 5-of-7 from the field. Strack added nine points for AU and added four rebounds and four assists.

The Terps, who are ranked No. 6 in this week's AP poll and No. 7 in the ESPN/USA Division I Top 25 Coaches' poll, were paced by five double-digit scorers, led by Thomas' 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Laurin Mincy recorded 13 points while Lynetta Kizer had 11.

The Eagles will have the next week off before travelling to Troy next Sunday, December 11 for a non-conference matchup. Game time from Troy, Ala., will be at 2 p.m. EST (1 p.m. CST).