Thomas scores 27 with 13 rebounds as No. 7 Maryland women dismantle Virginia, 73-44

Virginia's Sarah Imovbioh looks for the ball against Maryland center Alicia DeVaughn during during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Charlottesville, Va., Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Norm Shafer) (The Associated Press)

Maryland forward Alyssa Thomas tries to steal the ball from Virginia guard China Crosby during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Charlottesville, Va., Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Norm Shafer) (The Associated Press)

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Alyssa Thomas had 27 points and 13 rebounds and No. 7 Maryland used a 26-3 run spanning the halves to blow open a close game and beat Virginia 73-44 on Sunday.

Alicia DeVaughn added 14 points and Malina Howard 12 for the Terrapins (21-4, 12-2 Atlantic Coast Conference), who led 29-25 before two free throws by DeVaughn sparked the burst 3:46 before halftime.

Ataira Franklin led Virginia (15-10, 7-7) with 21 points, but the Cavaliers lost for the fourth time in five game.

Virginia missed 16 consecutive field goals tries during the drought until Franklin's 3-pointer finally dropped 6:22 into the second half. It was the first points for Virginia since Franklin's putback with 4:06 remaining in the opening half.

Katie Rutan added 11 for Maryland, which moved into sole possession of second place in the ACC because No. 14 North Carolina lost 80-73 to No. 19 Florida State earlier in the day.