Northwestern Beats Maryland on Nick Martinelli’s Jumper Just Before the Overtime Buzzer
A Thrilling Finish
Nick Martinelli made a baseline jumper just before the overtime buzzer to help Northwestern snap a three-game losing streak with a 76-74 victory over Maryland on Thursday night at Welsh–Ryan Arena in Evanston.
The Final Minutes of Regulation
Northwestern led 64-56 with 4:43 left in regulation before Maryland closed on an 11-2 run, capped by Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s layup with 6.9 seconds left to tie it at 68-all. Northwestern guard Brooks Barnhizer had a layup hit off the back iron at the other end and Derik Queen secured the defensive rebound.
Overtime Drama
In overtime, Gillespie made a layup with 6.9 seconds left to tie it at 74-all and he poked it away from Ty Berry at the other end. The ball deflected off Maryland forward Julian Reese, giving Northwestern possession with 0.7 seconds left.
The Winning Shot
Martinelli broke free on a screen and sank a runner in front of the Northwestern bench as his teammates came onto the court to celebrate.
Statistical Leaders
* Martinelli finished with 22 points for Northwestern (11-6, 2-4 Big Ten).
* Barnhizer had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, and Berry scored 15.
* Reese led Maryland (13-5, 3-4) with 23 points. Gillespie added 14, Rodney Rice had 13, and Queen grabbed 14 rebounds to go with nine points. The Terrapins were hurt by 16 turnovers.
A Competitive First Half
The first half was marked by 11 lead changes and nine ties, with Northwestern leading 38-37 at the buzzer after Martinelli beat the buzzer with a shot in the lane. The game finished with 16 ties and 15 lead changes.
Conclusion
In a thrilling finish, Nick Martinelli’s baseline jumper just before the overtime buzzer gave Northwestern a 76-74 victory over Maryland, snapping a three-game losing streak. Martinelli’s 22 points led the way for the Wildcats, who improved to 11-6 overall and 2-4 in the Big Ten.
FAQs
* How did the game end?
The game ended with a thrilling overtime finish, with Nick Martinelli hitting a baseline jumper just before the buzzer to give Northwestern a 76-74 victory.
* Who led the way for Northwestern?
Nick Martinelli scored 22 points, and Brooks Barnhizer had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
* How did Maryland perform?
Maryland was led by Julian Reese’s 23 points, but the Terrapins were hurt by 16 turnovers and struggled to contain Northwestern’s offense.
