The Northwestern Wildcats secured a crucial 78-74 victory over the Maryland-College Park Terrapins at Welsh-Ryan Arena, thanks in large part to Nick Martinelli's impressive 29-point performance, which included 5 three-pointers, and Jordan Clayton's 20 points, which helped the Wildcats overcome a 34-35 deficit at halftime. Maryland's Andre Mills had a game-high 39 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Wildcats, who had 3 players score in double figures. The Terrapins' recent trend of being outscored by 9.8 points per game over their last 5 contests continued, as they fell to 10-16 on the season, with a 2-3 record over that stretch. Northwestern, on the other hand, snapped a 5-game losing streak, during which they were outscored by 18.2 points per game, and averaged just 60 points per game.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage, as the Terrapins shot 43.8% from the field, while the Wildcats shot 44.7%. However, in the second half, Northwestern began to pull away, thanks to a 12-2 run that gave them a 10-point lead with 10 minutes remaining, during which Martinelli scored 7 points, including a crucial three-pointer. Maryland fought back, but the Wildcats' defense held strong, limiting the Terrapins to just 40 points in the second half, on 37.5% shooting. The Wildcats' recent struggles on defense, which had seen them allow 78.2 points per game over their last 5 contests, seemed to be a thing of the past, as they held the Terrapins to 74 points, 9.5 points below their season average.
Andre Mills' 39 Points Not Enough for Maryland
The star performances of Martinelli and Clayton were the difference-makers in this game, as they combined for 49 points, including 9 three-pointers. Martinelli's ability to hit big shots, including a crucial three-pointer with 2 minutes remaining, was a key factor in the Wildcats' win. Clayton, on the other hand, provided a spark off the bench, scoring 12 of his 20 points in the second half. For Maryland, Mills' 39 points were a reflection of his scoring ability, but he received little help from his teammates, as the next highest scorer was Solomon Washington with 11 points. Washington also added 14 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Wildcats.
The Wildcats' win was also a reflection of their ability to overcome adversity, as they had lost 5 straight games coming into this contest, including a 49-68 loss to Nebraska, and a 75-87 loss to Michigan. However, they seemed to have turned a corner, as they played with a sense of urgency and desperation that had been missing in recent games. The Terrapins, on the other hand, seemed to be stuck in a rut, as they had lost 3 of their last 5 games, including a 57-68 loss to Rutgers, and a 63-93 loss to Purdue. The Wildcats' 77 NET ranking, combined with their 11-16 record, makes them a intriguing case for the tournament, considering their recent form, and the fact that they have played 10 Quad 1 games, with a 2-8 record in those contests.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The CHD Scout's prediction of a 9.5-point Northwestern victory was correct, as the Wildcats won by 4 points. The prediction was likely based on the Wildcats' strong defense, which had been a staple of their team all season, as they ranked 50th in the country in defensive efficiency, allowing just 96.2 points per 100 possessions. The Terrapins' recent struggles on offense, which had seen them score just 65.2 points per game over their last 5 contests, also likely played a factor in the prediction. The Wildcats' ability to limit the Terrapins to 74 points, 9.5 points below their season average, was a key factor in their win, and a reflection of their defensive prowess.
The game was a crucial one for both teams, as they looked to improve their standing in the conference, and potentially make a push for the tournament. The Wildcats' win gives them a 4-game lead over the Terrapins in the loss column, and a 77 NET ranking that could be crucial in March. The Terrapins, on the other hand, fell to 10-16 on the season, and 151 in the NET rankings, making their tournament hopes seem increasingly slim. The Wildcats' recent form, which had seen them lose 5 straight games, seems to be a thing of the past, as they played with a sense of urgency and desperation that had been missing in recent games. The Terrapins, on the other hand, seem to be stuck in a rut, as they have lost 3 of their last 5 games, and have a 2-3 record over that stretch.
The win for Northwestern is a significant one, as it keeps them ahead of Maryland in the standings, and gives them a 77 NET ranking that could be crucial in March. The Wildcats' tournament hopes are still slim, but this win gives them a glimmer of hope, as they have now won 11 games, and have a 2-8 record in Quad 1 games. The Terrapins, on the other hand, seem to be falling out of the tournament picture, as they have lost 3 of their last 5 games, and have a 151 NET ranking. The Wildcats' ability to win a close game, and overcome a 5-game losing streak, is a reflection of their resilience and determination, and could be a factor in their tournament hopes. The Terrapins, on the other hand, seem to be running out of time, as they have just 5 games remaining, and need to win at least 3 of them to have any chance of making the tournament.
The Wildcats' win is also a significant one, as it gives them a 4-game lead over the Terrapins in the loss column, and a 77 NET ranking that could be crucial in March. The Terrapins, on the other hand, fell to 10-16 on the season, and 151 in the NET rankings, making their tournament hopes seem increasingly slim. The Wildcats' recent form, which had seen them lose 5 straight games, seems to be a thing of the past, as they played with a sense of urgency and desperation that had been missing in recent games. The Terrapins, on the other hand, seem to be stuck in a rut, as they have lost 3 of their last 5 games, and have a 2-3 record over that stretch. The Wildcats' ability to win a close game, and overcome a 5-game losing streak, is a reflection of their resilience and determination, and could be a factor in their tournament hopes.