Maryland's defense had just forced a turnover that led to a layup on the other end by Brianna Fraser, pulling the home team within five points with 3:42 remaining in the game.
Hard-charging freshman point guard Destiny Slocum had sparked an impressive comeback that saw the host Terrapins whittle away a seemingly commanding 19-point lead.
Legendary Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma was forced to call a timeout as the raucous, sellout crowd of 17,950 was in a full-throated roar, waving white towels in the air while jumping up and down to the thumping music being blasted through the arena.