Northwestern defeats Boise State 75-67 in March Madness – NBC Chicago

Northwestern defeats Boise State 75-67 in March Madness originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Boo Buie scored 22 points to lead Northwestern to a victory in the school’s second appearance in the NCAA Tournament, 75-67 against Boise State on Thursday.

The seventh-seeded Wildcats (22-11) made it to the Big Dance before in 2017, and just like then, they made sure they wouldn’t be unique.

Northwestern never trailed in a game that was close most of the time and advanced to play either UCLA or UNC Asheville in the West Region second round.

The 10th-seeded Broncos (24-10) are still looking for their first tournament victory, losing their opener for the ninth time in as many tries. Max Rice scored 17 points to lead Boise State and Naje Smith added 14.

Chase Audige added 20 points for the Wildcats and Ty Berry scored 13, including three 3-pointers.

The Bulldogs trailed 10 points early on, but fought back to tie the game at 40 early in the second half when Rice hit his second 3-pointer of the half.

The game was close most of the way before Northwestern finally regained the lead to 10 on a tip from Brooks Barnhizer with 3:15 to go.

ENDURE

Broncos goaltender Marcus Shaver Jr. had to be helped off the field after sustaining a leg injury late in the first half. He left the locker room late after halftime and returned to the game.

BIG PICTURE

Boise State: With four starters returning from last year’s tournament team, including three seniors, the Broncos were hoping this year’s team could be the one to finally break through. They fell to 0-4 in the tournament under coach Leon Rice.

Northwestern: After finishing second in the Big Ten for the first time since the 1958-59 season, the Wildcats made sure this special season didn’t end too soon. Northwestern lost in the second round to Gonzaga in 2017 after beating Vanderbilt in his tournament debut.

FOLLOWING

Northwestern is looking for its first trip to the Sweet 16.