Northwestern can’t keep pace with Maryland’s shooting, falls 75-59

Northwestern’s tilt towards Maryland pitted a comparatively unstoppable pressure towards an immovable object. The No. 21 Wildcats (20-9, 11-7 Massive Ten) have been constructed for the street, notching six victories in hostile environments this season. Conversely, the Terrapins’ Xfinity Middle has been unassailable in Massive Ten play. 10 groups have now entered, 10 groups have fallen.

Coach Chris Collins and firm’s makes an attempt at knocking off Maryland (20-9, 11-7 Massive Ten) in its stronghold fell brief. Behind a three-point taking pictures barrage and a stellar defensive stand towards NU’s backcourt, the Terrapins cruised to a 75-59 victory. 

“(Maryland) deserved to win,” Collins advised reporters postgame. “(The group) outplayed us within the second half — we couldn’t sustain with the scoring.”

Senior guard Boo Buie entered Sunday’s matinee on a tear, averaging about 26.3 factors over his final 4 video games. Contemporary off pouring in a career-high 35 factors versus the Combating Illini, Maryland keyed in on Buie, rolling out a full-court press and matchup zone to make him uncomfortable. And it labored. 

The Terrapins held the Cats’ talisman to a season-low 4 factors on 1-of-9 taking pictures from the sector. It was Buie’s first single-digit scoring efficiency since Nov. 23 towards Auburn and the primary time he was held to fewer than 10 area objective makes an attempt since Jan. 25.

Maryland made it tough for Buie to ascertain any semblance of scoring rhythm, with a wide range of defenders urgent up on him close to mid-court on each possession. Ahead Julian Reese’s means to play in drop protection on excessive ball screens meant there was at all times a Terrapin defender prepared to chop off Buie’s dribble drives. 

“It’s actually onerous so that you can run lots of units towards them, due to the way in which they swap and zone and man,” Collins stated of Maryland’s protection. “They’ve good quickness, good measurement. They had been making (Buie) be a passer.”

Regardless of the host’s efficiently containing Buie, the groups exchanged blow after blow in an exhilarating first 20 minutes. 

In a battle between two quite inefficient three-point taking pictures groups, the rim should have regarded as broad because the ocean. Seemingly each shot from distance dropped, particularly for the Terrapins.

Propelled by potential All-Massive Ten guard Jahmir Younger, Maryland lit the Xfinity Middle aflame, hitting 8-of-11 makes an attempt from past the arc within the first half. Younger, who entered the sport taking pictures 28.4% from past the arc at house this season, was 4-of-6 from three-point vary by intermission.

Nonetheless, the Cats’ first-half offensive response got here from Buie’s playmaking and redshirt senior guard Chase Audige’s scoring. 

Although Maryland made Buie into “a passer,” based on Collins, he was nonetheless capable of finding and exploit holes within the Terrapins’ protection to the tune of seven first-half assists. Conversely, Audige was capable of shake off his current taking pictures woes, recording 14 factors on 6-of-9 taking pictures within the first body.

Maryland’s three-point taking pictures and NU’s backcourt play coalesced into an 80-point first half, with each groups taking pictures above 59% from the sector and the lead altering palms 9 occasions. 

Out of halftime, the Cats’ offense fell stagnant — very like it did three days prior towards Illinois. Collins stated “the ball caught just a little extra within the second half,” permitting Maryland to drive the Cats’ facet of the ground. NU’s offensive rut was additionally exacerbated by the Terrapins’ continued success scoring the ball, particularly from deep. 

A 14-7 run over the primary six minutes of the half stretched Maryland’s benefit to 9 factors earlier than a 12-2 spurt halfway by the second body all however put the Cats to mattress.

Just like the primary 20 minutes, Maryland as soon as once more caught fireplace from past the arc, making 6-of-11 three-point makes an attempt within the second half. When the buzzer sounded, 4 totally different Terrapins had hit at the least two three-pointers, paving the way in which for a 14-of-22 mark. 

Regardless of Maryland’s very good taking pictures, Collins stated he didn’t really feel as if the vast majority of the Terrapins’ three-point success could possibly be attributed to defensive slips from the Cats. 

“A few of the (makes) had been breakdowns the place we misplaced guys, however I might enterprise to say perhaps six or seven of these 14 had been actually good shotmaking,” Collins stated. “On the finish of the day you’ve gotta make the shot, so give these guys credit score.”

Now left licking its wounds following two straight street defeats, NU returns house Wednesday for Senior Night time towards Penn State.

Although a shot on the Massive Ten common season crown is basically out of the image, there’s nonetheless lots to play for over the Cats’ remaining two video games — together with a double bye within the Massive Ten Event. 

“We be ok with who we’re; we’re an excellent group,” Collins stated. “Everyone’s going to lose just a little bit … It didn’t really feel so good right now getting beat, however we gotta go house and attempt to make it proper on the subsequent one.”

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Associated Tales:

— Fast Recap: Maryland 75, No. 21 Northwestern 59

— Northwestern and Boo Buie’s wondrous first half spoiled

— NU’s successful streak snapped amidst senior guard Boo Buie’s profession evening