Maryland freshman forward Ivan Bender did not make the trip here for the Cancun Challenge because of an NCAA eligibility issue, an athletic department spokeswoman said Tuesday.
According to the spokeswoman, Bender was suspended a total of six games — the first three at home, the two the No. 2 Terps will play in Mexico as well as Saturday’s home game against Cleveland State.
The reason for the suspension was not made public, though it could be tied to Bender’s relationship with KK Split, a professional team in Croatia. Bender was a member of the club’s junior team.