A first-ever NCAA tournament invitation is tantalizingly close and Northwestern could further cement its post-season credentials when it hosts No. 23 Maryland on Wednesday at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
It's also arguably the most important week of the season for the Terrapins (21-4, 9-3), who also have Wisconsin looming on Sunday in Madison.
Northwestern gave Maryland some help as with a 66-59 victory over then-No. 7 Wisconsin last Sunday.
It was a signature victory for the Wildcats (19-6, 8-4), who entered that game mired in a two-game losing streak and without leading scorer Scottie Lindsey (15.