Maryland guard Melo Trimble, left, and forward Justin Jackson (21) vie for the ball against Northwestern forward Nathan Taphorn, center, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big Ten tournament, Friday, March 10, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
WASHINGTON - Making itself right at home on a court that was anything but neutral, Northwestern roared into the semifinal round of the Big Ten Tournament with a 72-64 upset of No. 25 Maryland on Friday night, disappointing an enthusiastic - and biased - crowd.
Scottie Lindsey and Vic Law each scored 17 points for the Wildcats (23-10), who took control with a 20-2 run in the second half that all but silenced an arena that earlier produced the loudest cheers of the first Big Ten Tournament held in the nation's capital.
Having already defeated Rutgers and No. 3 seed Maryland, Northwestern on Saturday will face second-seed Wisconsin, a 70-60 winner over Indiana.
Though this was technically considered to be a neutral court, Maryland (24-8) enjoyed many of the benefits of playing at home following a double bye to start the tournament.
Northwestern guard Sanjay Lumpkin (34) dribbles the ball as Maryland guard Kevin Huerter (4) defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big Ten tournament, Friday, March 10, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Northwestern guard Bryant McIntosh (30) and Maryland guard Anthony Cowan, right, looks for the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big Ten tournament, Friday, March 10, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Maryland coach Mark Turgeon, center right, is restrained by his assistants after an official's call during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Northwestern in the Big Ten tournament, Friday, March 10, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Northwestern guard Isiah Brown (12) lunges for the ball as Maryland guard Melo Trimble (2) drives to the basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big Ten tournament, Friday, March 10, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Northwestern center Dererk Pardon (5) defends a pass by Maryland guard Anthony Cowan (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big Ten tournament, Friday, March 10, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Maryland coach Mark Turgeon pumps his fists during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Northwestern in the Big Ten tournament, Friday, March 10, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Maryland guard Anthony Cowan (0) shoots in front of Northwestern forward Nathan Taphorn (32) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big Ten tournament, Friday, March 10, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Northwestern guard Scottie Lindsey (20) looks over his shoulder at the inbounds pass to Maryland guard Anthony Cowan (0) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big Ten tournament, Friday, March 10, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Northwestern guard Sanjay Lumpkin (34) defends a shot by Maryland guard Kevin Huerter (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big Ten tournament, Friday, March 10, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Maryland guard Anthony Cowan (0) shoots over Northwestern forward Vic Law (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the Big Ten tournament, Friday, March 10, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)