Maryland Holds Off Penn State, 68-64, in Critical Big Ten Clash

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Maryland‘s Derik Queen poured in 23 points to lead the No. 16 Terrapins past Penn State 68-64 on Saturday, a crucial win that propels them closer to a top-four seed in the Big Ten Tournament.

Ja’kobi Gillespie contributed 19 points and Selton Miguel added 17 for the Terrapins (22-7, 12-6 Big Ten), who overcame a 36-30 halftime deficit to end a seven-game losing streak in Happy Valley.

Ace Baldwin Jr. scored 18 points, while D'Marco Dunn added 14 for the Nittany Lions (15-15, 5-14), who faced elimination from postseason contention and needed a victory along with help from other games in the standings.

“We fought hard, but we just couldn’t finish it off,” Baldwin said. “We know what we need to do moving forward.”

Penn State’s Julian Reese was a dominant force on the boards, grabbing 15 rebounds. The Terrapins, who entered the contest as one of four Power Four teams with five starters scoring in double figures, capitalized on Penn State’s mistakes, turning 16 turnovers into 21 points.

Maryland’s coach, Kevin Willard, noted the importance of the win, stating, “This was a crucial step for us as we prepare for the tournament.”

As the final minutes ticked down, with Maryland leading 66-64 and 44 seconds remaining, Baldwin’s missed jumper would prove pivotal. Reese secured the rebound, creating an opportunity for Rodney Rice to seal the victory with a basket and push the lead to four points with just 17 seconds left.

The loss marks Penn State’s ninth setback by six points or less this season, tying them with Northwestern for the most in the Big Ten. “We have to learn from these close games,” Dunn said. “We’re a better team than our record shows.”

Looking ahead, Maryland is set to face No. 15 Michigan on Wednesday before concluding the regular season at home against Northwestern on March 8, while Penn State will visit No. 11 Wisconsin on the same day.