Maryland Battles Colorado State in NCAA Tournament Rematch

SEATTLE, Wash. — The Maryland Terrapins will face the Colorado State Rams in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on March 23, 2025, following decisive victories in their first-round games. The fourth-seeded Terps routed No. 13 Grand Canyon, 81-49, while the 12th-seeded Rams upset No. 5 Memphis, showcasing their offensive and defensive strengths.

Maryland (26-8) is riding high after a commanding performance against Grand Canyon. Freshman Derik Queen was instrumental, scoring 12 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. The Terps’ head coach Kevin Willard praised his team, saying, “We went out there and played with confidence and did what we needed to do to win.” The victory marked the team’s first NCAA tournament win since 2016 and sets the stage for a crucial matchup against Colorado State.

Colorado State (26-9) comes into the game as a team on an 11-game winning streak, making them one of the hottest teams in the nation. Their recent success included a 78-70 win over Memphis in which standout player Nique Clifford scored 14 points. Rams head coach Niko Medved acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “This is a great team, and we’re ready for the challenge that Maryland presents.”

The game will be held at Climate Pledge Arena with tip-off scheduled for 7:10 PM ET. Broadcast coverage will be provided by TBS, featuring commentators Lisa Byington, Jalen Rose, and Andy Katz. Fans can also listen live via the Maryland Sports Radio Network.

As the teams prepare for their matchup, analysts have set Maryland as a 7.5-point favorite, with a game total (over/under) set at 142.5 points. Maryland’s strong defensive metrics, ranked among the top 10 in the nation for adjusted defensive efficiency, will be essential against Colorado State’s hot shooting, particularly from three-point range.

Maryland boasts a defensive game plan aimed at stifling the Rams’ perimeter scoring. The Terps’ ability to limit second-chance opportunities and manage turnovers could prove vital in their quest for victory.

Colorado State’s recent performances indicate their capability of scoring 1.1 points per possession in nine of their last 11 games, making their three-point shooting a key component of their strategy. Maryland will need to remain vigilant and adjust to Colorado State’s formidable offensive rhythm.

While analysts favor Maryland to win, predicting a score of 82-73, the unpredictability of March Madness suggests this clash will be intensely competitive. Both teams exhibit unique strengths and face challenges that will significantly impact the outcome.

As excitement builds for this pivotal game, fans eagerly anticipate the display of talent and determination from both squads. Maryland aims to assert their status as NCAA title contenders, while Colorado State looks to maintain their momentum against a higher-seeded opponent.