Northwestern’s Nick Martinelli led all scorers with 28 points and seven rebounds. The Big Ten’s second-leading scorer, Martinelli notched 16 in the first half, nearly reaching his average (19.9) by halftime. Ty Berry added 10 as the only other Wildcat in double figures. Northwestern (16-15, 7-13) will still likely clear the bar to get in to the conference tournament barring other results.
“I hope we get a chance to play. It’s not guaranteed,” Northwestern coach Chris Collins said. “I told our guys, you know, we needed to win, to control our own destiny, get to Indianapolis. I think we can compete. I think we’re playing well.”
Maryland got off to a slow start, turning the ball over six times in the first eight minutes. Northwestern capitalized, with Martinelli leading the way in the midrange department, scoring six for an early 15-10 lead.