Maryland basketball fans erupted with joy last Friday following the Terps' emphatic 81-49 victory over Grand Canyon University in the first round of the NCAA tournament. This win not only marks a significant achievement in the tournament but sets up a highly anticipated clash against Colorado State on Sunday.
After an underwhelming start to the game, where they found themselves committing three turnovers during their first three possessions, Coach Kevin Willard’s squad demonstrated resilience typical of their season. Maryland struggled to find the basket early on, failing to score a field goal for nearly four minutes and shooting just 2-of-11 from the field at one point. However, the team found its rhythm and ended the first half leading 42-28, thanks to a crucial 18-1 run after an early 15-10 deficit.
Julian Reese, who has become a cornerstone of the team, led the offensive charge with a team-high 18 points and nine rebounds, proving instrumental in the Terps' makeup. “I try to be that guy that calms everybody when things aren't going well,” Reese expressed, emphasizing his leadership role. Notably, DeShawn Harris-Smith made a long-awaited contribution off the bench, scoring nine points in a single game, his highest output since December. This visible improvement came after a streak of nine games without scoring.
As fans gathered at the Cornerstone Grill and Loft sports bar in College Park, joy filled the air as they celebrated Maryland's triumph. “I’m a senior, so this is easily the best team that I’ve experienced as a college student,” remarked Jared Scheinberg, capturing the excitement that permeated the venue. The camaraderie among fans resonated throughout their celebration, despite the challenges posed by many students choosing to stay home during spring break.
The victory margin of 32 points not only overshadowed past tournament performances but also marked the largest win in Maryland basketball history, showcasing the strength of the squad. With the stage now set for Sunday’s matchup against Colorado State, the Terps are looking to build on this momentum. “This might be the last time you step on a college basketball court. For Julian, for Derik, for our seniors. You never know when you get this opportunity,” Coach Willard said, highlighting the stakes involved as players look to seize the moment in their collegiate careers.
Looking ahead, the Terps will face Colorado State, who pulled off an impressive upset over fifth-seed Memphis, winning 78-70 in their first-round game. The Rams, with a 26-9 overall record, boast a ten-game winning streak and a solid lineup led by Nique Clifford and Kyan Evans, the latter of whom electrified the court by scoring 23 points against Memphis. This fierce contest will showcase a stark contrast between Maryland’s potent offensive strategy—averaging 81.6 points per game—and Colorado State's defensive prowess.
Maryland is currently being favored by 7.5 points heading into this critical matchup, according to BetMGM. Statistical analyses, such as those from KenPom, project a seven-point victory margin (76-69) for the Terps. Such forecasts indicate that while the Terps come into the game as the higher seed and a team to beat, they cannot underestimate their opponent's capabilities.
Moreover, the enthusiasm around this game transcends court sides. Maryland's passionate supporters are eager to continue their support, as evident by the fan turnout at local bars, where students are poised to cheer for their team throughout the tournament. “We got to show support,” said student Jacob Shukam, reflecting the enduring spirit embodied by the Terps’ basketball culture.
As the final buzzer of the first round echoed through Seattle, it became clear that Maryland is not just playing for survival but is on a path aiming for glory. With the guidance of their coach, the talent of their players, and their enthusiastic fanbase, they are ready to tackle the challenges ahead. The upcoming game against Colorado State promises to be an enthralling encounter that may very well determine the direction of their journey in this year’s March Madness.
