Terps Dominate Grand Canyon 81-49 to Secure Spot in NCAA Tournament’s Second Round – University of Maryland Athletics

Maryland Men’s Basketball Dominates in NCAA Tournament Opener

On March 21, 2025, the No. 11-ranked Maryland men’s basketball team made a strong start in the NCAA Tournament by defeating No. 13-seeded Grand Canyon 81-49. This impressive win marked Maryland’s largest margin of victory ever in an NCAA Tournament game, showcasing their dominance on the court.

With this win, the Terps improved their season record to 26-8, their best since the 2015-16 season when they reached the Sweet 16. In fact, the 26 wins tie for the sixth-most in program history. Since 1997, Maryland has won 16 out of their last 17 opening-round games.

Maryland’s performance was no fluke. If we look at the game statistics, they were particularly compelling. The Terps led by 14 points at halftime, marking their largest halftime lead in the tournament since leading Xavier by 17 in 2003. Throughout the second half, they maintained a solid lead, never allowing Grand Canyon back into the game.

Key Players Shine

Several players stood out during the game. Julian Reese led the team with 18 points and nine rebounds, nearly achieving a double-double. Ja’Kobi Gillespie added 16 points, including two significant three-pointers. In doing so, he set a new program record for most threes in a single season. Meanwhile, freshman Derik Queen contributed with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, tying him for the most double-doubles by a Maryland freshman since Joe Smith in 1993-94.

The collective effort didn’t go unnoticed on social media. Fans celebrated their team’s performance, with tweets highlighting the strong shooting and overall teamwork.

Historic Achievements and Records

Maryland’s victory also carried historical significance. With 276 three-pointers made this season, they broke their previous record of 272 set in the 2016-17 season. This performance places Maryland among a select group of four major conference programs whose starting five players all average double digits in scoring.

Head coach Kevin Willard has made his mark in his first three seasons, leading to a record 64 wins, the highest for any Maryland coach in their initial three years. His success is evident as he was recently named NABC East District Co-Coach of the Year.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Maryland is set to face No. 12 seed Colorado State in the second round on March 23. The team’s spirit is high, and with their recent performance, fans are eager to see if they can continue their journey deeper into the tournament.

As the tournament progresses, Maryland hopes to build on this momentum while showcasing the talent of players like Reese, Gillespie, and Queen. Their blend of experience and youth could make for an exciting end to the season.

For more insights on March Madness and NCAA trends, you can check out NCAA’s official site for updates and statistics.

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