Maryam Dauda and Saylor Poffenbarger will reunite on Friday for the first time since their time as teammates at Arkansas, with a spot in the Elite Eight at stake. Poffenbarger, who transferred from UConn to Arkansas before returning to her hometown Maryland program, and Dauda, an in-state McDonald’s All-American, bonded during their inactive seasons. Dauda, now a strong player leading the SEC in blocks, has averaged 10.1 points this season, while Poffenbarger leads Maryland in rebounding. Both athletes express pride in each other and look forward to reconnecting after this highly anticipated matchup.
This Friday, Maryam Dauda and Saylor Poffenbarger will compete against each other for the first time since their days as teammates at Arkansas, with a spot in the Elite Eight at stake.
Poffenbarger started her collegiate journey at UConn but transferred to Arkansas after just one semester, where she played for two seasons. Recently, the Maryland native returned to her hometown program.
Dauda was a key recruit for the Razorbacks, being an in-state McDonald’s All-American who opted to play close to home.
Due to an injury, Dauda redshirted her first year at Arkansas, while Poffenbarger was sidelined as a transfer. During this period, they formed a strong bond as inactive players.
“We went through a lot together, and we were there to support each other because we both came in at the same time,” Dauda reflected. “We supported and uplifted each other when we were each down.”
Dauda began her career as a reserve in her redshirt freshman year but quickly established herself as a starter for her second season.
Last season, both Poffenbarger and Dauda shared starting positions in Arkansas’ frontcourt. Poffenbarger played in 30 games, averaging 10.2 points and 11.2 rebounds, ranking second in the SEC for rebounding.
“We were good friends,” Poffenbarger mentioned. “Throughout the process, we stayed in touch. We’ve talked. Playing against her will be fun. That’s what basketball is about—building relationships that continue on. I’m excited to see her.”
Stay updated on all things Gamecocks for only $1 for 7 days—don’t miss out on this special offer!
Dauda participated in all 33 games last season, averaging 10.1 points and 6.3 rebounds, while recording 2.2 blocks per game and leading the SEC in blocks during conference matches. This season, she has appeared in 30 games, averaging 2.0 points and 1.9 rebounds in six minutes of play.
Poffenbarger has been a starter in 17 of her 29 games this season, averaging 26.7 minutes per game. She leads Maryland in rebounding with an average of 7.3 per game and contributes 9.2 points.
“Yeah, she’s the nicest person in the world. To know her is to love her,” Poffenbarger stated.
When Dauda heard about Poffenbarger’s kind words, she smiled brightly.
“I would say the same thing about her,” Dauda replied. “I am very proud of her. I never imagined both of us leaving Arkansas and making it to the Sweet 16.”
Although they hadn’t spoken ahead of the Sweet 16 matchup on Friday, adhering to the typical no-contact rule players observe before significant games, the two former Razorbacks plan to reconnect over the weekend.
“Before we left, we made sure to see each other,” Poffenbarger said. “We’ve kept in touch. I check on her regularly; it’s not daily, but we definitely built a strong relationship at Arkansas. We faced a lot together, so I believe we’ll stay close for a long time.”