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Northwestern Eliminated From Big Ten Tournament After Loss to Maryland
The Wildcats' season comes to an end with a 79-57 defeat against the Terrapins.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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Northwestern's women's basketball team was eliminated from the Big Ten Tournament after suffering a 79-57 loss to Maryland on Wednesday evening. The Wildcats, who finished the season with an 8-20 record and 2-15 in conference play, struggled with turnovers and were outmatched in the paint as the Terrapins pulled away in the second half.
Why it matters
This marks the fourth consecutive season that Northwestern has finished with fewer than 10 wins, continuing a troubling trend for the program. The Wildcats' inability to compete in the Big Ten has raised questions about the direction of the team and the future of the coaching staff.
The details
Northwestern was led by Grace Sullivan's 23 points, but the team turned the ball over 21 times compared to just 6 for Maryland. The Terrapins also dominated inside, outscoring the Wildcats 54-38 in the paint and out-rebounding them 43-35. Maryland shot under 45% from the field but attempted 24 more shots than Northwestern.
- The loss on Wednesday evening officially eliminated Northwestern from postseason contention.
- Northwestern will finish its season on Sunday, March 1 against Purdue.
The players
Grace Sullivan
The Wildcats' leading scorer, who had 23 points and 5 rebounds in the loss.
Caroline Lau
Contributed 9 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for Northwestern.
Oluchi Okananwa
Maryland's leading scorer with 25 points.
Saylor Poffenbarger
Recorded a double-double of 13 rebounds and 4 assists for the Terrapins.
The takeaway
Northwestern's struggles this season have been emblematic of the program's larger issues, as the Wildcats have now missed the Big Ten Tournament four years in a row. The team's inability to compete in the conference raises questions about the direction of the program and the future of the coaching staff.
