It’s been six days since the Maryland Terrapins clinched the No. 3 seed in the Big Ten Tournament and a double bye with a wild last-second win over Michigan State. They’ve had plenty of time to rest for the postseason, and will begin the Big Ten Tournament Friday night against the Northwestern Wildcats at Verizon Center.
Northwestern, the number six seed, defeated 14-seed Rutgers 83-61 in the second round Thursday. The Wildcats are likely headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history no matter the result Friday, but they are relishing the challenge of taking on the Terrapins.
“I just respect their program so much,” coach Chris Collins said. “We’ve had some good games against them here the last couple of years. At our place, they’ve kind of kicked our butts. They did that last month. We need to get rested, study up on those guys, watch the tape.”
With the Tournament taking place in the District, the Wildcats are treating Friday like a road game, rather than a neutral site contest.
“We know there’s going to be a lot of red in there,” Collins said. “It’s going to be a pro-Maryland crowd.”
Maryland won the team’s only meeting this season, 74-64 in Evanston. The Wildcats are looking forward to the rematch.
“It’s a great opportunity,” guard Bryant McIntosh said. “I feel like we played tired the last time we played them at home. It’s just a great opportunity when you get to play for a chance to go to the final four of the Big Ten Tournament. I think all of us are excited for it.”
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