In a thrilling Sweet 16 matchup of the NCAA Tournament, top-seeded Florida faced off against No. 4-seed Maryland on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The Gators emerged victorious, advancing to the Elite Eight despite a tense battle and the injury of their star forward, Alex Condon.
The game kicked off at 7:39 p.m. EDT, and both teams came into the contest with high expectations. Florida, making its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2017, had momentum on its side after a strong performance in the SEC Tournament, where they claimed the title just weeks prior. Meanwhile, Maryland was looking to capitalize on its own recent success, having reached this stage for the first time since 2016.
As the first half unfolded, the Gators quickly established their presence on the court. However, the game took a concerning turn for Florida when Condon, who averages 11.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, suffered a right ankle injury and was forced to leave the game. His absence was felt as he had been a crucial player for the Gators, contributing significantly to their success this season.
Despite Condon's injury, Florida managed to hold a narrow lead at halftime, 40-38. The Gators' Walter Clayton and Will Richard each scored 12 points in the first half, while Maryland's Ja'Kobi Gillespie led the Terrapins with 15 points. The tension in the arena was palpable as fans from both sides knew that the second half would be a decisive moment for both teams.
After the break, Florida came out with renewed vigor, quickly starting the second half on a 10-4 run, which pushed their lead to 50-42 with 15:51 remaining in the game. Condon, who had been evaluated during halftime, made a surprising return to the court with 13:29 left to play, much to the relief of Gators fans.
Maryland's freshman sensation, Derik Queen, kept the Terps in the game, scoring 27 points throughout the contest, showcasing his talent and determination. However, as the game progressed, the Gators' defense tightened, and they began to pull away. With 8:12 remaining, Florida held a commanding 70-56 lead after a layup from Denzel Aberdeen.
The Gators continued to dominate, outscoring Maryland by 16 points in the second half. Alijah Martin and Walter Clayton contributed crucial baskets, with Martin finishing with 12 points and Clayton leading the Gators with 13 points. Condon's return proved pivotal, as he added to the Gators' scoring and helped solidify their control on the game.
Maryland struggled to find its rhythm in the second half, especially after Gillespie fouled out with four fouls, leaving a significant gap in their offense. The Terps could not recover from the deficit, and Florida maintained its lead, eventually sealing the game with a final score of 84-66.
This victory sends Florida to the Elite Eight, where they will face the winner of the matchup between No. 3 seed Texas Tech and No. 10 seed Arkansas on Saturday, March 29. The Gators' performance, particularly in the second half, displayed their resilience and depth, essential qualities as they aim for a trip to the Final Four in San Antonio.
Head coach Todd Golden praised his team's effort, stating, "We showed a lot of heart tonight. Losing Alex was tough, but the guys stepped up and played for each other. We’re excited to keep this momentum going into the next round." With Condon's health now a focal point, fans will be watching closely to see how he recovers ahead of their next game.
As the tournament progresses, Florida's blend of talent and determination will be tested, but their Sweet 16 victory serves as a reminder that they are a force to be reckoned with in this year's NCAA Tournament.
