The Maryland Terrapins delivered an emphatic statement in the NCAA Tournament, dominating the Grand Canyon Antelopes with an impressive 81-49 victory on Friday, March 21, 2025. The Terrapins, seeded fourth in the tournament, showcased their prowess on the court, marking the largest margin of victory in NCAA Tournament history for the program. This win sets a solid foundation as they prepare to take on No. 12 Colorado State in the upcoming second round.
Maryland’s triumph was characterized by teamwork and resilience, as Derik Queen, who played a pivotal role, reflected on the game, stating, "We just stayed together as a team and just kept punching... we did everything well that we usually do as a team." Queen concluded the game with a noteworthy 12 points and 15 rebounds, becoming the first Maryland freshman to achieve a double-double in the tournament since Jalen Smith in 2019. Fellow teammate Julian Reese added 18 points and nine rebounds, while Ja’Kobi Gillespie contributed 16 points, underscoring a well-rounded team effort.
Despite a nervous start, Maryland quickly found its rhythm, leading 15-10 midway through the first half. The Terps then exploded offensively with an overwhelming 18-1 run, which was capped off by a three-pointer from Rodney Rice, bringing fans to their feet. Maryland entered the halftime break with a firm lead of 42-28, maintaining control throughout the second half.
Grand Canyon had its moments but struggled to keep pace with Maryland’s relentless attack. Tyon Grant-Foster led the Antelopes with 23 points yet the team ultimately could not overcome their early deficit. Coach Bryce Drew acknowledged the difficulty, saying, "We had many good looks, couldn’t make them. We had a little lead early, we should have been up a lot more early. And then once they got the lead, slowly momentum just kept shifting this thing in their way." Grand Canyon, which fell to 26-8 this season, will look to regroup after this disappointing early exit from the tournament.
The focus now shifts to Maryland’s next challenge as they face Colorado State, who themselves are riding a remarkable 11-game winning streak. The Rams recently pulled off a stunning victory over No. 5 seed Memphis, defeating them 78-70, fighting back from a five-point halftime deficit. This next matchup between Maryland (26-8) and Colorado State (26-9) is scheduled for Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 7:10 p.m. ET. Maryland is favored by 7.5 points in this encounter, a testament to their formidable scoring ability.
According to Ryan Fowler from TBS Sports, "The two teams average a combined 156.9 points per game," making this clash particularly intriguing for fans and bettors alike, as the over/under for the matchup is set at 143.5. Maryland has boasted a stellar +516 scoring differential throughout the season, thriving on offensive firepower alongside solid defensive strategies.
The Terrapins’ success can largely be attributed to their key players. Derik Queen leads the team with an impressive average of 16.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, while Ja’Kobi Gillespie has established himself as a pivotal playmaker with 4.9 assists per game and a scoring average of 14.7 points. Furthermore, Gillespie excels in three-point shooting, making 2.4 threes per game, an essential asset for the team’s game plan.
On the other side, Colorado State is not to be underestimated. Their leader in points, rebounds, and assists, Nique Clifford, has averaged 18.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Also noteworthy, he contributes significantly with 1.9 three-pointers per game. The Rams will bring their own energy as they look to dethrone the Terrapins in front of a national audience.
As the teams prepare, expectations will be high for both. Maryland’s Coach Kevin Willard remarked about the importance of staying focused, stating, "He’s been steady all year. I think these guys will all say." His players will need to embody that steadiness against a resilient Rams squad who has proven they can perform under pressure. The anticipation builds as two strong programs prepare for their moment in the spotlight.
With odds and expectations favoring Maryland, the stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling contest. As they venture deeper into the tournament, all eyes will be on the Terps, as fans hope this season could culminate in a much-coveted deep tournament run. The resilience they displayed against Grand Canyon will be pivotal as they aim for a Sweet 16 spot against Colorado State this Sunday.
