Nebraska stuns Maryland behind Sam Hoiberg’s late game heroics in OT

Sam Hoiberg, in a stunning steal and lay-up, delivered the knockout blow as NU’s late-season run continued in a 70-66 upset of the Terrapins.

NU (14-14, 7-10 Big Ten) forced overtime when Derrick Walker hit a driving layup with 29 seconds left in regulation. Maryland (18-9, 9-7) had a chance to break the tie of 58 when guard Jahmir Young missed a 17-foot drop on Hoiberg with a second left.

In overtime, where Keisei Tominaga – who finished with 20 points – hit a 3-pointer to start the extra period. NU and Maryland went back and forth, with the Huskers clinging to a 65-64 lead when Hoiberg, guarding Young, came forward past a lazy inbounds pass and took it for a surprise layup and the delirium of a crowded Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Derrick Walker – who had a season-high 23 points – then forced an intermediate ball on Terrapins possession. Nebraska had the arrow. Hoiberg knocked down two free throws for an insurmountable 69-64 lead. Hoiberg finished with nine points.

Maryland was led by Young, who had 16 points, six rebounds and six assists. Forward Julian Reese had 16 points and 16 rebounds for a Terrapin team that just upset Purdue at home.

UM beat the offensive boards early, catching seven in the first eight minutes, but they couldn’t convert many into runs. UM’s forwards initially resisted taking the two midrange jumpers or posting smaller Husker guards, and Nebraska took advantage, taking a 15-6 lead after six straight points from Walker.

Maryland responded with a top-of-the-key 3 Hakim Hart that started a 10-0 run booked by another Hart line. Nebraska fought back with three straight layups — from CJ Wilcher, Griesel and Tominaga — for a 25-20 lead and a Maryland timeout.

The Pinnacle Bank Arena crowd exploded with every basket, reserving their loudest cheers for the final two buckets of the half – a base jumper from Sam Hoiberg after a false pump, and the fourth lay-up from Tominaga’s circus of a half in which he scored 11. NU led 31-24 at the break, holding Maryland’s dynamic offense in check.