No. 1 seed Florida showcased its depth and senior leadership in a commanding 87-71 victory over fourth-seeded Maryland in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region Sweet 16 on Thursday night. The Gators, making their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2017, used a balanced attack and a deep bench to wear down the Terrapins, securing a spot in the regional final against Texas Tech.
Florida’s trio of standout seniors led the way, with Will Richard scoring 15 points, Alijah Martin contributing 14 points and seven rebounds, and Walter Clayton Jr. adding 13 points and four assists. Their experience and energy proved too much for Maryland’s “Crab Five” — a resilient starting unit that struggled to keep up as the game progressed.
Head coach Todd Golden, who has revitalized the Florida program, credited his team’s depth for their ability to maintain a high level of play. The Gators committed 13 of their 17 turnovers in the first half but took better care of the ball in the second, allowing them to pull away from a feisty Maryland squad.
Freshman sensation Derik Queen led all scorers with 27 points for Maryland (27-9), continuing his impressive postseason run. Queen, who hit a buzzer-beater in the Terrapins’ second-round victory over Colorado State, went 8-for-17 from the field and made all 10 of his free throws.
Julian Reese, the brother of WNBA star Angel Reese, battled inside for Maryland, but the team struggled with depth issues, a concern head coach Kevin Willard had voiced before the matchup. Maryland’s reserves managed just three total points, while Florida’s bench outscored them 29-3. The disparity in energy and fresh legs became evident in the second half as the Gators steadily built their lead.
Willard’s future with the program is uncertain, as he has been linked to the Villanova job and recently voiced frustrations with the direction of Maryland basketball. Fans even booed him as the team departed its hotel earlier in the day, adding further tension to the situation.
Florida (33-4) is now just one win away from its first Final Four appearance since 2014. The Gators already eliminated two-time defending champion UConn in the second round, and they have an impressive 10-1 record in regional semifinals.
Clayton, who has drawn comparisons to Stephen Curry for his shooting ability, had been red-hot from three-point range coming into the game. Though he finished just 2-for-6 from deep, his presence kept Maryland’s defense stretched.
The Gators now turn their focus to third-seeded Texas Tech, which rallied past Arkansas in an overtime thriller. With their depth, experience, and recent momentum, Florida will look to punch its ticket to the Final Four in Saturday’s West Region final at Chase Center.
The Gators’ reserves outscored Maryland’s 29-3, demonstrating their depth and ability to sustain a high level of play. Florida committed 13 turnovers in the first half but adjusted in the second, limiting mistakes and playing more efficiently.
The Maryland freshman delivered a stellar performance with 27 points, showcasing his potential despite the team’s loss.
Florida’s Alex Condon briefly exited with a right ankle injury but returned in the second half after undergoing precautionary X-rays.
With their sights set on the Elite Eight, the Gators are poised to continue their strong tournament run, aiming for a deep postseason finish under Coach Golden’s leadership.
