Florida Gators vs Maryland Terrapins Picks and Predictions March 27th 2025

Derik Queen, No. 4 Maryland Ready to Challenge Top-Seeded Florida in Sweet 16 Showdown

SAN FRANCISCO — Derik Queen’s legend is growing by the game, and the freshman phenom will now face his biggest test yet as No. 4 seed Maryland Terrapins squares off against top-seeded Florida in Thursday night’s NCAA Tournament West Region semifinal at Chase Center.

Queen, already a projected NBA lottery pick and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, added a new chapter to his rising stardom by hitting a clutch, off-balance fadeaway to lift the Terrapins past Colorado State 72-71 in the second round.

“Give me the mother (bleep) ball,” Queen reportedly told coach Kevin Willard in the huddle before sinking the game-winner.

Now, he gets his shot on the national stage against a Florida squad that just ousted two-time defending champion UConn and is hungry for its first Final Four berth since 2014.

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Gators Return to Familiar Territory — With Bigger Goals

Florida head coach Todd Golden returns to the Bay Area, where he previously led the University of San Francisco to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 24 years. But this trip is all about pushing Florida (32-4) closer to championship contention.

“It’s kind of icing on the cake to be able to go out there,” Golden said. “But we’re focused on taking that next step.”

The Gators got here thanks to a gutsy 77-75 win over UConn, led by Walter Clayton Jr., who scored 23 points, including two massive threes late in the game. Clayton leads the team in scoring (17.9 ppg) and assists (4.2 apg) and is the heartbeat of Florida’s balanced, physical lineup.

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Maryland’s “Crab Five” Riding High

Queen may be the face of Maryland’s run, but he’s far from a solo act. The Terrapins’ starting lineup — dubbed the “Crab Five” in a nod to both the Fab Five and Maryland’s seafood culture — has started every game together since November and all average double figures:

• Derik Queen: 16.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg
• Ja’Kobi Gillespie: 14.6 ppg
• Rodney Rice: 13.9 ppg
• Julian Reese: 13.3 ppg
• Selton Miguel: 12.0 ppg

This cohesion, combined with Queen’s fearless shot-making, has powered the Terps to their first Sweet 16 since 2016. Now, they’re chasing their first Elite Eight appearance since their 2002 national title run.

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“He’s a generational talent and a generational kid,” Willard said of Queen. “You just don’t see that combo very often.”

Queen’s personality has become a driving force for Maryland — always smiling, yet unafraid to lead with grit when it counts. And against Florida’s length and physicality, his combination of finesse and fire will be key.

With Florida’s top-tier athleticism and Maryland’s youthful swagger, this Sweet 16 battle promises fireworks.

Need help picking a side in this high-stakes clash? Don’t miss out on expert college basketball picks and predictions to navigate the madness with confidence.