The Maryland men's basketball program is poised for a monumental challenge as they prepare to face the Florida Gators in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The fourth-seeded Terps (27-8) will take on the top-seeded Gators (32-4) on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, with tip-off set for 7:39 p.m. ET.
This matchup marks Maryland's first appearance in the Sweet 16 since 2016, when they fell to Kansas 79-63. Head coach Kevin Willard will be making his Sweet 16 debut, hoping to lead his team to their first Elite Eight appearance since the 2002 national championship season.
Maryland is coming off a thrilling 72-71 victory over No. 12 Colorado State in the second round, where freshman center Derik Queen hit a buzzer-beater to secure the win. Queen led the Terps with 17 points, supported by Rodney Rice with 16, Julian Reese with 15, and both Selton Miguel and Ja'Kobi Gillespie contributing 11 points each. Remarkably, this was the eighth time this season that all five starters scored in double figures, a feat unmatched in the nation.
In their most recent meeting, Maryland edged Florida 70-68 on December 12, 2021, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, giving them a 2-2 all-time record against the Gators. Florida, however, poses a significant challenge, having won their last eight games and 14 of their last 15, including a hard-fought 77-75 win over UConn in the second round.
Florida's success can be attributed to their strong offensive play, currently ranked second in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency. Senior guard Walter Clayton Jr. has been a standout for the Gators, averaging 17.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. He scored 23 points in the win over UConn, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Alijah Martin, another key player, averages 14.6 points, while Will Richard contributes 13.5 points per game.
Maryland will need to leverage their size advantage, particularly with Queen and forward Julian Reese, who averages 13.3 points and 9.1 rebounds. The Terps' frontcourt has proven effective, but they must improve their rebounding efforts after being out-rebounded by Colorado State in their last game.
Florida's depth could also play a crucial role in this matchup, as the Gators boast a rotation that goes nine deep. Maryland, conversely, relies heavily on its starters, with all five players logging significant minutes in their last game. This could become a factor as the game progresses.
The Gators have shown vulnerability in their turnover game, averaging 12.0 turnovers in their first two tournament games. Maryland has excelled in taking care of the ball, ranking 19th nationally in offensive turnover percentage. If the Terps can capitalize on Florida's mistakes, they may have a path to victory.
As the game approaches, analysts are leaning towards Florida as the favorite, with the Gators being a 6.5-point favorite in the latest odds. The over/under is set at 156.5 points, suggesting a high-scoring affair. Predictions from experts largely favor Florida, with projections ranging from 77 to 87 points for the Gators.
Despite the odds, Maryland has shown resilience throughout the season, never losing by more than six points in any game. This tenacity could prove vital as they face one of the toughest opponents of their season.
In a tournament filled with surprises, the Terps will look to defy expectations and secure a spot in the Elite Eight, a feat that would mark a significant milestone in the program's history.
As the excitement builds for this Sweet 16 showdown, fans are encouraged to tune in on TBS or stream the game live. Maryland's journey continues, and the stakes couldn't be higher as they prepare to battle the formidable Florida Gators.
