Maryland Basketball Eyes Sweet 16 in NCAA Clash Against Colorado State

SEATTLE, WA – The No. 4-seed Maryland men’s basketball team is set to face No. 12-seed Colorado State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament this Sunday, March 23, at Climate Pledge Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. EDT. This matchup is critical as a win would secure Maryland’s first trip to the Sweet 16 since 2016.

Maryland (26-8) advanced to this round after an impressive victory against No. 13 Grand Canyon, winning 81-49 on Friday. In that game, Julian Reese led the Terps with 18 points and nine rebounds, while fellow teammates Don Carey, Eric Ayala, and Donta Scott contributed 16, 13, and 12 points respectively. Reese’s performance marked him as the first Terp to achieve a double-double in the NCAA Tournament since 2019.

Maryland’s head coach, Kevin Willard, is looking to solidify his coaching legacy with a Sweet 16 appearance. “The guys are hungry, and they know what’s at stake,” Willard said. “We have had a great season, but there’s more to achieve.”

On the other hand, Colorado State (26-9) is entering the game on a hot streak, riding an 11-game winning streak and coming off a 78-70 upset victory over No. 5 Memphis in the first round. The Rams’ remarkable performance has propelled them to No. 11 in the national rankings during this stretch.

Rams head coach Niko Medved, who has guided the team to three NCAA Tournaments in the last four years, praised his players. “They believe in each other, and that’s what makes us a strong unit,” he said. Medved’s first-round victory marks a significant moment for him as a coach.

Leading Colorado State’s charge is fifth-year guard Isaiah Stevens, who averages 18.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Stevens demonstrated his prowess against Memphis, tallying 14 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. His shooting percentages hover around 49.9% from the field and 38.4% from beyond the arc.

The Rams also feature key players such as point guard John Tonje and shooting guard James Moors, who contribute significantly to the team’s success. Tonje scored 23 points and shot an impressive 66.7% from three-point range against Memphis.

As both teams prepare for this vital showdown, Maryland’s height advantage, particularly with the Queen-Reese duo, may pose challenges for Colorado State. Maryland has set a record for three-pointers made in a single season, while Colorado State aims to continue their winning momentum.

The matchup will be broadcast live on TBS with commentary from Lisa Byington, Jalen Rose, and Andy Katz, while Maryland Sports Radio Network will provide coverage on 105.7 FM and 980 AM.

Fans eagerly anticipate a thrilling contest as the stakes rise in this NCAA Tournament second round. With a Sweet 16 berth on the line, both teams will seek to capitalize on their strengths and capitalize on any opportunities that arise during the game.