Maryland, Northwestern Survive Big Ten Tourney Openers

0:00On March 11th, the Big Ten tournament got underway on Tuesday, March 10th, at the United Center in Chicago. This six-day event features 18 teams battling for the conference's automatic bid to next week's NCAA tournament. In the first round, Maryland edged out Oregon 70-60 while Northwestern topped Penn State 76-66. Maryland, under first-year coach Buzz Williams, snapped a tough season with 20 losses, their most since 1989. David Quayt led with 17 points, and five Terrapins scored in double figures to overcome a shaky Oregon squad that mounted a late comeback, but fell short. Both teams entered with 12 and 20 records, but Maryland now eyes a miracle run. A sweet 16 team last year, the Terrapins face Iowa at noon on Wednesday, with a potential matchup against top seed Michigan on the line. Northwestern, the Big Ten's leading scorer Nick Martinelli, dropped 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds in their win. The Wildcats capitalized on 17 Penn State turnovers for 24 points, holding off a gritty

1:04nitty-lions effort led by Ivan Jerics, 22. With second round games looming, including Northwestern vs Indiana, the tournament heats up as underdogs chased that March madness dream. Keep an eye on the surprises as the bracket unfolds.