Maryland coach Brenda Frese confronts guard Oluchi Okananwa during second-round NCAA tournament loss to North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina — Maryland Terrapins head coach Brenda Frese engaged in a heated sideline exchange with guard Oluchi Okananwa during the team's 74-66 loss to North Carolina in the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament on March 22, 2026.[1][2]
Maryland entered as the No. 5 seed in its region, facing the No. 4 seed Tar Heels at Dean E. Smith Center.[1][2][3]
The confrontation occurred in the third quarter after Okananwa committed a turnover, missed three free throws and a layup, prompting her substitution. Frese told Okananwa: "I believe in you, but you got to want this moment."[1]
Okananwa led Maryland with 21 points, six rebounds, two steals and six turnovers.[1]
After the game, Okananwa expressed support for Frese's coaching style. "Coach understands I’m a competitor at heart," she said. "I love to be coached hard. That’s what she does with me every single day."[2]
Frese, who has led Maryland since the 2002-03 season, explained the interaction as a challenge rooted in belief in Okananwa's abilities. She has coached the Terrapins to the 2006 NCAA title and holds a career record of 688-208.[4][1]
This was Okananwa's first season at Maryland after two years at Duke. She averaged 17.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, earning All-Big Ten honors in 2025-26.[1][5]
The loss ended Maryland's tournament run. North Carolina advanced to the Sweet 16.[1]
Sources
- Fox News Digital
Maryland Terrapins women’s basketball coach Brenda Frese came face-to-face with guard Oluchi Okananwa
March 23, 2026
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/maryland-terrapins-coach-brenda-frese-face-guard-oluchi-okanwa-ncaa-loss - The Athletic
"Coach understands I’m a competitor at heart" — Oluchi Okananwa on Brenda Frese
March 23, 2026
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/628xxxx/maryland-frese-okanwa-moment/ - NCAA.com
2026 NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament bracket
Accessed March 23, 2026
https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-women/d1/2026 - University of Maryland Athletics
Brenda Frese - Women's Basketball Coach
Accessed March 23, 2026
https://umterps.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/brenda-frese/1578 - University of Maryland Athletics
Oluchi Okananwa - 2025-26 Women's Basketball
Accessed March 23, 2026
https://umterps.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/oluchi-okanwa/xxxx
