Posted: 6:57 PM Dec 6, 2012
Reporter: David Ginsburg -- AP Sports Writer

Tianna Hawkins had 20 points and 12 rebounds, Alyssa Thomas contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds, and No. 9 Maryland opened defense of its Atlantic Coast Conference title with a 79-55 victory over Virginia on Thursday night.

Coming off a 15-point loss to No. 2 Connecticut, the Terrapins (5-2, 1-0) led by 16 at halftime and quickly expanded the margin to 25 points before coasting to the finish. Maryland limited the Cavaliers to 25 percent shooting and finished with a 50-39 rebounding advantage.

The Terrapins have won 13 of the last 16 games between the teams, including all three meetings last season. It was Maryland's most lopsided win in the series since a 27-point blowout in January 2007.

Ataira Franklin led Virginia (5-3, 0-1) with 15 points. The Cavaliers went 29 for 37 at the foul line but made only 12 baskets.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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