Northwestern Wildcats Edge Maryland Terrapins 78-74
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Welsh-Ryan Arena
Northwestern Wildcats 78, Maryland Terrapins 74, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Maryland Terrapins vs Northwestern Wildcats?
Northwestern Wildcats beat Maryland Terrapins 78-74 at Welsh-Ryan Arena on February 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Maryland Terrapins vs Northwestern Wildcats?
Northwestern Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -380 (about 79% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup at Welsh-Ryan Arena, the Northwestern Wildcats secured a narrow victory over the Maryland Terrapins, finishing the game with a score of 78-74. This win was significant for Northwestern, as it broke a five-game losing streak, improving their overall record to 12-16, while Maryland fell to 10-17 with this defeat.
Both teams entered the game struggling, with Northwestern having a recent record of 2-8 over their last ten games, including a streak of five consecutive losses prior to this victory. They averaged 65.8 points scored per game while allowing 75.9 points during this stretch. Their recent performances included a loss to the Nebraska Cornhuskers by a score of 49-68 and a home loss to the Michigan Wolverines, where they lost 75-87.
On the other side, the Maryland Terrapins had a record of 3-7 in their last ten games, with their most recent outing resulting in a loss to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 57-68. They averaged 66.6 points scored and allowed 78.3 points during this span. Their previous victories included a win against the Iowa Hawkeyes, where they triumphed 77-70.
The home advantage played a role in Northwestern's performance, as they had a home record of 1-4 in their last five games, while Maryland struggled on the road with a record of 1-5 in their away games during that same period. Historically, these teams have faced each other twice in the 2025 season, with each team winning one game each. Northwestern won the first match at home 76-74, while Maryland took the second meeting 74-61.
In terms of injuries, there were no specific details provided in the block regarding player availability for either team, but both squads have had their share of challenges throughout the season.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Northwestern favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 142.5. The odds indicated a moneyline of -380 for Northwestern and +300 for Maryland, reflecting the expectations of the teams' performances leading into the game.
Conditions during the game were not detailed, but the atmosphere at Welsh-Ryan Arena was likely charged, given the stakes for both teams. Fans witnessed a competitive game where scoring plays included critical free throws from players like Andre Mills and Jordan Clayton, showcasing the tension and importance of each possession in the closing moments.
As the game unfolded, viewers could observe the Wildcats’ ability to capitalize on free throws, which proved crucial in maintaining their lead. The final moments saw Northwestern successfully fend off a late push from Maryland, who managed to close the gap but ultimately fell short.
This matchup highlighted the struggles both teams have faced this season, but also the resilience of Northwestern as they look to build momentum moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NU -7.5 | 142.5 o -108 / u -112 | Maryland Terrapins +300 · Northwestern Wildcats -380 |
Leaders
- PointsNick Martinelli29Northwestern Wildcats
- AssistsJake West7Northwestern Wildcats
- ReboundsAngelo Ciaravino5Northwestern Wildcats
- PointsAndre Mills39Maryland Terrapins
- AssistsElijah Saunders5Maryland Terrapins
- ReboundsSolomon Washington14Maryland Terrapins
Recent form
Northwestern Wildcats
Last 10: 2-8Streak L565.8 scored · 75.9 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L49-68at Nebraska CornhuskersFeb 14
- L75-87vs Michigan WolverinesFeb 12
- L70-76at Iowa HawkeyesFeb 8
- L44-84at Illinois Fighting IlliniFeb 5
- L62-76vs Washington HuskiesFeb 1
- W94-73vs Penn State Nittany LionsJan 30
- L64-71at UCLA BruinsJan 24
- W74-68at USC TrojansJan 22
- L58-77vs Nebraska CornhuskersJan 17
- L68-79vs Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 15
Maryland Terrapins
Last 10: 3-7Streak L166.6 scored · 78.3 allowed per game1-5 away
- L57-68at Rutgers Scarlet KnightsFeb 15
- W77-70vs Iowa HawkeyesFeb 11
- W67-62at Minnesota Golden GophersFeb 8
- L62-82vs Ohio State BuckeyesFeb 6
- L63-93vs Purdue BoilermakersFeb 1
- L48-91at Michigan State SpartansJan 24
- L70-89at Illinois Fighting IlliniJan 22
- W96-73vs Penn State Nittany LionsJan 18
- L71-88at USC TrojansJan 14
- L55-67at UCLA BruinsJan 11
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Maryland Terrapins | Northwestern Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-54 | 25-52 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 8-24 | 12-21 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 57 |
| Free throws | 18-21 | 16-25 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 64 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 24 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 18 |
| Assists | 15 | 20 |
| Steals | 4 | 12 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 24 |
| Fouls | 18 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 14 | 80 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-44Angelo Ciaravino makes 3-foot dunk (Jayden Reid assists)
- 2nd Half45-44David Coit makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (Elijah Saunders assists)
- 2nd Half47-44Darius Adams makes driving layup (David Coit assists)
- 2nd Half48-44David Coit makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-44Solomon Washington makes layup
- 2nd Half50-47Jordan Clayton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jayden Reid assists)
- 2nd Half50-50Jake West makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jordan Clayton assists)
- 2nd Half50-53Jordan Clayton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nick Martinelli assists)
- 2nd Half50-56Jordan Clayton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nick Martinelli assists)
- 2nd Half50-58Angelo Ciaravino makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half53-58Andre Mills makes 24-foot three pointer (Elijah Saunders assists)
- 2nd Half53-61Jordan Clayton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jake West assists)
- 2nd Half53-63Nick Martinelli makes layup (Jake West assists)
- 2nd Half54-63Solomon Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-66Nick Martinelli makes 24-foot three point jumper (Angelo Ciaravino assists)
- 2nd Half57-66Isaiah Watts makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (David Coit assists)
- 2nd Half59-66Andre Mills makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-67Nick Martinelli makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-68Nick Martinelli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-69Nick Martinelli makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half59-70Nick Martinelli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-70Darius Adams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-70Darius Adams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-70Andre Mills makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-70Andre Mills makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-70Andre Mills makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-70Andre Mills makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-71Nick Martinelli makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-72Nick Martinelli makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-72Solomon Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-72Solomon Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-74Nick Martinelli makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-74Andre Mills makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-74Andre Mills makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-75Jordan Clayton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-76Angelo Ciaravino makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-76Solomon Washington makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half71-77Jordan Clayton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-77Andre Mills makes 23-foot three point jumper (David Coit assists)
- 2nd Half74-78Angelo Ciaravino makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Northwestern Wildcats, below favours Maryland Terrapins.
Venue
- Welsh-Ryan ArenaEvanston, IL
- Attendance4974
- OfficialsLarry Scirotto, D.J. Carstensen, Randy Richardson
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond