Final: Maryland 70 Northwestern 52
Maryland came into tonight’s game with Northwestern riding a two game losing streak. The Wildcats was just what the doctor ordered. Maryland jumped on the Wildcats, leading by as much as 14 in the first half and 25 for the game.
Defensively, the Terps length bothered Northwestern all night. The Wildcats two leading scorers, Vic Law and Dererk Pardon, shot 7-22 from the floor. As a team, the Wildcats shot just 31% for the game.
On the offensive end, Bruno Fernando proved hard to handle in the post and on the perimeter. He was too strong in the post for Law, too quick on the perimeter when Barret Benson covered him.
As a team, the Terps had it going both inside and out. Not only did they score 36 points in the paint but they also shot 44% from the 3-point line.
Player of the Game: Bruno Fernando
Fernando dominated the paint on both ends of the floor. Not only did he finish with 22 points and 10 rebounds, he made things difficult for Pardon the entire game. He forced him into a 5-14 shooting night. It was the second time he’s shot that poorly, the other was against American University.
Quotables:
“We were terrific defensively. We really guarded them. They had trouble shooting the ball but I think we had a lot to do with it” – Maryland Head Coach Mark Turgeon
“It’s been our second game in a row where we’ve really struggled on the offensive end” – Northwestern Head Coach Chris Collins
Notes:
Recently, Bruno Fernando was one of 15 players named to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Midseason List but he’s better known for his offensive prowess. In conference play, Fernando is top 10 in the Big Ten in eFG%, TS%, OR%, FTRate, and FT%.
Maryland’s next two games (Wisconsin and Nebraska) are on the road. The Terps are 3-1 on the road in the Big Ten. Their only loss came to Michigan State.
Maryland Coach Turgeon Press Conference
Northwestern Coach Collins Press Conference
