As the Maryland Terps advance in the NCAA tournament, excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. This week, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams have made history, moving on to the Sweet Sixteen together for the first time. The men’s team is set to face off against the formidable Florida Gators, while the women’s team will challenge the South Carolina Gamecocks in what promises to be thrilling matchups.
The men’s game is scheduled for March 27, 2025, at 7:39 p.m. at Chase Center, while the women’s game will take place the following day, March 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. As the Terps gear up for these critical contests, fans are rallying together to show their support, with numerous watch parties planned across campus and beyond.
For those on campus, the TerpZone is hosting vibrant watch parties complete with free pizza, popcorn, and cookies, running from 7-11 p.m. on March 27 and 5-8 p.m. on March 28. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a "Sweet 16%" discount on concessions and games, making it a perfect spot to cheer on the Terps.
Meanwhile, UMD’s three dining halls are celebrating the teams’ successes with a special Slam Dunk Truffle Tart, featuring a buttery crust and rich chocolate, available on March 27. This sweet treat is just one of the many ways the university is rallying behind its teams.
For those looking for a more festive atmosphere, Mulligan’s Pub and Grill at the UMD Golf Course is offering a happy hour buffet for just $13, starting at 4 p.m. on both days. Fans can also find deals at various local establishments, including specialty pizzas at Hall CP and discounted pub grub at Dog Haus Biergarten.
The Greene Turtle is ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action with multiple screens and "Shell of a Deal" meals starting at $10.99, alongside drink specials and beer buckets. Looney’s Pub is rolling out a March Madness game day menu, while R.J. Bentley’s is hosting happy hour all night with 20% off drinks.
In Baltimore, Union Craft Brewing, co-founded by Terp alumni, will host a watch party featuring Testudo Premium Lager specials at 7:30 p.m. on March 27. With free Testudo glasses for purchases, it’s a great way for fans to enjoy the game while supporting local brews.
On the court, the stakes are high for the Maryland men’s basketball team. Ranked fourth in the tournament, the Terps (27-8) are one win away from their first Elite Eight appearance in over two decades. They face a tough opponent in the top-seeded Florida Gators, who boast an impressive 32-4 record and have only lost once since February 1, 2025. Florida comes into this matchup riding an eight-game winning streak, including a dominant run through the Southeastern Conference tournament.
Florida’s performance has been nothing short of stellar, ranking third nationally according to KenPom’s season-long rankings. The Gators possess the nation’s No. 2 offense and No. 10 defense, making them a formidable force. Maryland, while ranking No. 10 overall, has the sixth-best defense and the 22nd-best offense, setting the stage for an intense battle.
Key to Maryland’s success will be their ability to contain Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., who has been a standout player, averaging 17.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. Coach Kevin Willard compared Clayton’s shooting ability to that of NBA star Stephen Curry, highlighting his confidence and skill off the dribble. Willard noted, "He reminds me of Steph a little bit with how good he is off the dribble."
Clayton’s ability to perform under pressure was evident in Florida’s second-round victory over Connecticut, where he hit crucial shots to secure the win. Maryland’s guards, including Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Rodney Rice, and Selton Miguel, will need to step up defensively to limit Clayton’s impact on the game.
Another area of focus for the Terps will be rebounding. Maryland has faced challenges on the defensive glass recently, with their rebounding rate dropping significantly. This is a critical concern, especially against a Florida team that ranks fifth nationally in offensive-rebounding rate, averaging 14 offensive boards per game. Willard acknowledged the importance of this aspect, stating, "I think they score something crazy — like, 32% of their points come from offensive rebounds."
Transition defense will also be vital for Maryland. Florida excels in fast-break opportunities, averaging 16.5 fast-break points per game, which accounts for 19.3% of their overall scoring. The Terps must ensure they maintain their strong transition defense, which allowed just 7.5 points per game in conference play. A slow start could spell disaster against a team that has consistently outpaced its opponents.
As both teams prepare for their Sweet Sixteen matchups, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. Fans are ready to rally behind their Terps, whether at watch parties or in the stands, as they hope to witness history in the making. With both teams poised for battle, it’s clear that March Madness is in full swing, and the Terps are ready to make their mark.
