Maryland Terrapins battle Colorado State Rams in NCAA Tournament showdown

In Seattle on March 23, 2025, the No. 11 Maryland Terrapins faced off against the Colorado State Rams in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Maryland entered the game with a strong season record of 26-8 and a Big Ten conference play record of 15-7, dominating non-conference opponents with an impressive 11-1 record. The Terrapins have shown their prowess in rebounding, ranking fourth in the Big Ten and averaging 34.0 rebounds per game, led by Derik Queen, who is averaging 9.2 boards. Meanwhile, the Rams from the Mountain West Conference, with a record of 26-9 and a conference record of 19-4, were on a winning streak, having won their last 10 games and averaging 77.3 points per game. Colorado State also demonstrated an effective shooting ability, with a field goal percentage of 50.8%. Maryland's scoring capabilities have been impressive, averaging 81.6 points per game, significantly higher than Colorado State's defensive average of 67.2 points allowed. In the last ten games leading up to this matchup, Maryland went 8-2, showcasing their offensive strength. On the other hand, Colorado State has managed to outscore their opponents consistently, winning by an average margin of 8.1 points per game. This matchup was pivotal for both teams as they sought to advance further in the NCAA Tournament, and a win could potentially set the course for the remainder of their seasons. Key players included Queen, who averaged 16.2 points and 9.2 rebounds for the Terrapins, as well as Nique Clifford and Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who were vital in Maryland's offense. For Colorado State, notable performances came from Clifford averaging 18.9 points and Kyan Evans contributing 13.8 points in recent matches. This game represented not just a chance for advancement in the tournament but also a chance for individual players to shine on a national stage, with scouts from various collegiate programs likely in attendance. As both teams prepared for this critical clash, the anticipation was palpable, with fans eager to see which squad could leverage their strengths to secure victory. The stakes were high, as the winner would not only continue their journey in the NCAA tournament but also build momentum going into the later stages of the competition.