Florida dominates Maryland to advance in NCAA Tournament

In the United States, the top-seeded Florida Gators faced the No. 4 seed Maryland Terrapins in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 on March 27, 2025. The game took place at the Chase Center in San Francisco, a venue significant for Florida coach Todd Golden, who returned to his roots in the Bay Area. Florida's victory propelled them into the West Region final with an 87-71 win over Maryland, demonstrating their strong second-half performance where they managed to take control after a rocky first half filled with turnovers. The game showcased standout performances from Florida's key players, including Will Richard and Alijah Martin, who played pivotal roles in maintaining Florida's momentum. Walter Clayton Jr. also significantly contributed, helping to maintain energy levels among the Gators and overpowering Maryland's starting lineup known as the 'Crab Five.' Despite Maryland's efforts, led by freshman sensation Derik Queen, Florida's depth and experience proved too much to handle. Todd Golden expressed his nostalgia upon returning to San Francisco, reminiscing about his own development as a coach under notable mentors such as Randy Bennett and Kyle Smith. Both Bennett and Smith, integral figures in Golden's coaching journey, were present, providing a sense of reunion that added to the significance of the game. Florida's performance was indicative of a well-prepared team looking for a deeper run in the tournament, aiming for their first Final Four appearance since 2014. Maryland's loss marks the end of their tournament journey, highlighting concerns regarding future directions for the Terrapins and their coach Kevin Willard, who has been linked to other positions. Meanwhile, Florida's win emphasizes their trajectory within the tournament as they seek to extend their success into the subsequent rounds, building on their strong finish against UConn in the earlier rounds.