In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, the Maryland Terrapins have secured their spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016. This remarkable achievement was punctuated by a stunning buzzer-beater from freshman star Derik Queen, who lifted his team to victory over Colorado State on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The Terrapins, seeded fourth, now look forward to a challenging matchup against the top-seeded Florida Gators, who also advanced after a nail-biting win against UConn.
The excitement surrounding Maryland's journey has been fueled by the emergence of their dynamic starting five, affectionately dubbed the "Crab Five." This group, consisting of Queen, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Rodney Rice, Selton Miguel, and Julian Reese, has become a sensation not only for their on-court talent but also for their cultural impact. The nickname, inspired by the famous "Fab Five" of Michigan, was coined by a fan on social media after the quintet scored all 83 points in a decisive victory over Nebraska on February 13, 2025. The team embraced the moniker, which has since sparked merchandise sales and social media buzz.
As they prepare for their Sweet 16 clash, the Crab Five's impressive statistics speak volumes about their capabilities. The group boasts a combined scoring average of 70.8 points per game, leading all major conference programs. In their recent victory over Colorado State, each member of the starting five scored in double figures for the eighth time this season, showcasing their collective strength and teamwork.
Maryland's road to the Sweet 16 has not been without its challenges. The team faced heartbreak in several close games leading up to their recent triumph, with four previous losses by narrow margins, including a devastating 81-80 defeat against Michigan. Head coach Kevin Willard noted the significance of Queen's buzzer-beater, reflecting on the team's resilience and character. "Really, the gut punch was Michigan State," he stated. "These guys have shown such character in how they have bounced back. That’s all I told ’em in the huddle. I said, ‘Guys, for the first time, we have time left. It’s our time to kind of make our moment happen.’"
Derik Queen, a Baltimore native, has emerged as a key player for the Terrapins. His confidence was evident as he called for the ball during the final moments of the game. After the buzzer sounded, he attributed his poise to his roots, stating, "I’m from Baltimore, that’s why." Queen's rise to stardom has been meteoric; he was named the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year while playing at St. Frances Academy in Baltimore. His connection with fellow Terp Julian Reese, who has mentored him throughout the season, has only added to his success.
Reese, the only returning starter from the previous year, has also had a standout season. He chose to remain at Maryland despite the challenges posed by the transfer portal and the influx of new talent. "I knew what I had here at Maryland," he said, emphasizing his commitment to the program. Coach Willard highlighted Reese's contributions, noting that he is one of the few players in program history to record over 1,400 points and 1,000 rebounds. His experience and leadership have been invaluable as the team navigates the pressures of the tournament.
Maryland's roster features 15 players, with 13 making their NCAA Tournament debuts. Among them are five transfers who have found success in College Park. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who previously played at Belmont, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete in the tournament, stating, "I’m grateful to finally go to the big dance after being in college for three years. That’s one of the reasons I came to Maryland." This influx of talent has revitalized the program and contributed to their current success.
On the other side of the court, the Florida Gators are riding the momentum of their own thrilling victory. The top-seeded Gators triumphed over two-time defending champions UConn with a final score of 77-75, marking their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2017. Walter Clayton Jr. was instrumental in the win, hitting a crucial three-pointer that shifted the momentum in Florida's favor with just three minutes left in the game.
As the Gators prepare to face the Terrapins, they will look to build on their recent success. Florida and Maryland have met four times in the past, with the series tied at two wins apiece, but this will be their first encounter in the NCAA Tournament. The stakes are high, and both teams are eager to make their mark.
The Sweet 16 matchup between Florida and Maryland is scheduled for 7:39 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Fans can catch the action live on TBS and TruTV, with coverage provided by a talented broadcasting team. For those unable to watch on television, the game will also be available for streaming on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
With both teams showcasing their strengths and determination, the upcoming game promises to be an exhilarating showdown. As the Terrapins aim to capitalize on their recent success and the Gators seek to continue their winning streak, basketball fans are in for a treat as March Madness unfolds.
