Northwestern beats Maryland 76-74 on Nick Martinelli's jumper just before the OT buzzer

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 16: Nick Martinelli #2 of the Northwestern Wildcats celebrates scoring the game winning shot in overtime against the Maryland Terrapins at Welsh-Ryan Arena on January 16, 2025 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellf
EVANSTON, Ill. - 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.
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.
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.
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.
There were 11 lead changes and nine ties in the first half that ended with Northwestern leading 38-37 after Martinelli beat the buzzer with a shot in the lane. The game finished with 16 ties and 15 lead changes.
Why Northwestern won
The 'Cats outlasted the Terps.
Putting it simply, both teams were in foul trouble and out of gas in overtime. One team needed to make a play to finally put the game to bed. It was Northwestern.
What it means
Northwestern is back on track. The 'Cats were 1-4 in Big Ten play, dropping their last two in a row. They needed this one, and needed it bad.
Who starred
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.
It was over when…
Martinelli hit his game-winner.
Martinelli broke free on a screen and Jalen Leach hit him on a pass in a moment that flirted with a five-second call. Martinellia sank a runner in front of the Northwestern bench as his teammates came onto the court to celebrate.
What's next
Maryland hosts Nebraska on Sunday, while Northwestern plays at No. 20 Michigan.