Nick Martinelli hit a baseline jumper just before the overtime buzzer and Northwestern ended a three-game losing streak with a 76-74 victory over Maryland on Thursday night.
Northwestern led 64-56 with 4:43 left in regulation, and Maryland scored on Jacobi Gillespie’s layup with 6.9 seconds left to take an 11-2 lead and tie it at 68-all. Northwestern guard Brooks Bernhizer made a layup off the opposite back iron and D’Eriq Queen secured the defensive rebound.
In overtime, Gillespie hit a layup with 6.9 seconds left to tie the game at 74-all, knocking it off opposing end Ty Berry. The ball was deflected off Maryland forward Julian Reese with 0.7 seconds left, giving Northwestern possession.
Martinelli broke through a screen and dunked a runner in front of the Northwestern bench as his teammates came onto the court to celebrate.
Martinelli had 22 points for Northwestern (11-6, 2-4 Big Ten). Bernheiser had 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists, and Berry had 15 points.
Reese scored 23 points for Maryland (13-5, 3-4). Gillespie grabbed 14 rebounds, Rodney Rice had 13 rebounds and Queen had 14 rebounds for nine points. The Terrapins were hurt by 16 turnovers.
The first half saw 11 lead changes and nine ties, with Northwestern leading 38-37 after Martinelli hit a shot in the lane to beat the buzzer. The game ended with 16 ties and 15 lead changes.
Maryland will play Nebraska on Sunday, while Northwestern will face No. 20 Michigan, which lost on a buzzer-beater in an OT game against Minnesota on Thursday.
Reported by Associated Press.
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