PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon University men's basketball team is gearing up for its first-round game against the Maryland Terrapins this Friday at Climate Pledge Arena, marking their third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Lopes have earned the No. 13 seed, going up against the 10th-seeded Terrapins, creating what promises to be a closely contested matchup.
While GCU is one of the few mid-major teams competing, head coach Bryce Drew believes they can make their mark, stating, "Whoever we play, we know they’re going to be really good" (2025). GCU's players are ready to showcase their abilities after experiencing two previous NCAA runs, making them more than capable foes.
Maryland enters this tournament as the stronger favorite, ranked No. 10 after finishing the season with 25 wins and 8 losses. They were 11th in the AP Top 25 last week and maintained one of the top 10 defensive records nationwide. The Terrapins are considered talented, with projected NBA draft prospect Derik Queen leading them, alongside notable players like Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Julian Reese. The duo of Gillespie, who is both perceived as one of the best point guards, and Queen, who averages 16.3 points per game, provides Maryland with offensive firepower and depth.
Although Maryland is favored by 10.5 points, the Lopes aim to leverage their momentum and experience from last year’s appearance, where they managed to secure their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory. Tyon Grant-Foster leads the Lopes with 14.5 points and 6 rebounds per game, alongside teammates JaKobe Coles and Rayshon Harrison contributing significantly on the offensive front.
Despite their underdog status, Grand Canyon does not shy away from the challenge. They are determined to capitalize on their defensive capabilities, which have earned them praise for shutting down opponents, with the Lopes allowing just 68.7 points per game this season. Their challenge will be to restrict Maryland’s high-octane offense and navigate through their aggressive defense.
Moving forward, if GCU can secure victory against Maryland on March 21, they would likely face either No. 5 seed Memphis or No. 12 seed Colorado State on March 23, increasing their chances of advancing even farther.
Maryland head coach Kevin Willard is acutely aware of the potential pitfalls of underestimations. "We got something to prove because we just didn't – we really have a bad taste in how we just ended up and played the other day," Willard remarked, pointing to their previous game against Michigan where the team struggled.
Both teams' leaders are geared up; Willard emphasizes the need for his team to stay focused and manage the tournament's emotional whirlwind effectively. With some Terps players experiencing March Madness for the first time, including notable transfers Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Selton Miguel, the forthcoming game is brimming with personal stakes.
"For my last year, I wanted to be in the dance. That's why I chose Maryland. Just the culture, and I knew since the summer, we would make it this far," Miguel stated, underlining the motivation and dedication of this squad.
The expected game at 1:35 p.m. PT is forecast to be televised on TBS, drawing national attention and igniting fan support for both sides, particularly from Maryland fans eager to witness their team make strides toward the Final Four.
The matchup could pull significant interest due to GCU's remarkable comeback capability and Maryland’s elite status among power conference teams. Despite being less favored, GCU's achievements this season have highlighted their growth.
Several analysts, including those from CBS Sports, indicate there is significant potential for upset, as Grand Canyon is not your typical mid-major squad, boasting experience and physical prowess. Analysts like Matt Norlander note, “Maryland has tremendous talent, but lacks depth,” pointing to one of the key factors for the Lopes as they prepare to break through this team's defenses.
This Friday showdown presents both teams with opportunities: Maryland aims to leverage their higher seed to dominate, whereas GCU is focused on proving their worth with each game they win. If history is any indicator, this NCAA Tournament promises surprises.
The outcome of this first-round clash is expected to hinge on how well each team manages the pressure and executes their game plans. The Terrapins’ ability to outpace their opponents will be tested against the Lopes’ grit, creating what could be one of the more intriguing matchups of the tournament.
The buzz surrounding this game continues to grow, especially considering the stakes for both teams; for GCU, this is the culmination of years of building, and for Maryland, it is the litmus test for their postseason prowess amid high expectations.
