As we roll into the New Year, the women’s college basketball Star Power Index is closing out 2024 by highlighting some talented transfers who are making their presence felt at their new homes.
Also, CBS Sports takes a look at a star on a bubbling Big Ten team who — with the help of a freshman phenom — is turning Rutgers into must-see TV.
Kaylene Smikle, Maryland
No. 8 Maryland picked up its second win against a nationally-ranked opponent on Sunday when it beat No. 19 Michigan State. The Terrapins’ 72-66 victory over the Spartans was sparked by a clutch performance from guard Kaylene Smikle.
Maryland found a 17-point lead before the half only for the Spartans to chip away at the deficit and tie the game at 57-57 in the fourth quarter. However, the Terps stayed the course. They responded with a series of clutch baskets, including Smikle’s tough bucket through contact that put Maryland up by five points with just a little over a minute left in regulation.
Smikle ended the night with a team-high 19 points on 58% from the floor. This is the Rutgers transfer’s 11th consecutive game scoring in double figures for the 12-0 Terrapins.
With Sunday’s victory, Maryland is 2-0 in Big Ten conference play. Next, they’ll…
