Northwestern
6-12,1-7Big Ten
#17 Maryland
15-4,5-3Big Ten
Wildcats Battle #17 Maryland in 77-66 Setback
1/21/2020 8:13:00 PM | Men's Basketball
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern dominated the first half but ultimately fell to No. 17 Maryland, 77-66 on Tuesday evening at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Pat Spencer paced the 'Cats with 17 points while matching a career-high nine rebounds.
Miller Kopp and Pete Nance both joined Spencer in double-digits with 16 and 11 points, respectively. Kopp secured his eighth straight game in double-digit scoring while it was Nance's seventh time reaching the mark this season.
The Wildcats jumped out to a quick start with a 10-0 run in the opening minutes. Kopp contributed six on a pair of three-point plays, one from deep and one of the old-fashioned variety.
Boo Buie made an immediate impact in his first game back. The first-year drilled a three well beyond the arc to extend the lead to 17-8, followed by another Kopp triple on the following possession.
Northwestern's strong first-half performance led to a 40-26 lead at the break. Kopp led all scorers with 11 points in the half while Nance pitched in nine. The Wildcats shot (15-of-25) from the field and 67% (4-for-6) from three in the opening frame.
A.J. Turner and Kopp continued the Wildcat success from deep with three-pointers in the early moments of the second stanza.
Pat Spencer scored eight consecutive Wildcat points to tie the game at 61 with 6:38 to play, but his effort was not enough to carry the 'Cats down the stretch.
Chicago's Big Ten Team will be back in action on Sunday evening as they host Ohio State at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
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