The No. 4 seed in the West Region Maryland Terrapins(25-8) are getting ready to face No. 13 seed Grand Canyon Lopes(26-7) in the 1st Round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. This game will take place in Seattle, Washington Friday afternoon.
The Terrapins are looking to have sustained success in the NCAA Tournament. They have advanced past this round in their last three tournaments, but have not advanced to the Sweet Sixteen since 2016. The team will look to begin their tournament on a high note in Seattle. Grand Canyon defeated No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s in the opening round of the 2024 Tournament. Will the Lopes be able to pull off another sizable upset on Friday?
Maryland Season History
The Terrapins had a solid season in the Big Ten. They lost by one point in the Semifinals to the Michigan Wolverines. That should give them confidence heading into this matchup. Maryland had one of the nation’s best offenses. They are 23rd in points scored, 56th in field goal percentage, and 36th in three-point percentage.
The Terps also have a strong defense. They are 43rd in points allowed, 58th in opposing field goal percentage, and 27 in opposing three-point percentage. Center Derik Queen is the team’s best player. He scored a career-high 31 points in the loss against the Wolverines.
Grand Canyon Season History
The Lopes had a strong regular season in the WAC and defeated the No. 1 seed Utah Valley in the Championship Game. Grand Canyon has a middling offense. They are 56th in points scored, 107th in field goal percentage, and 309th in three-point percentage.
Their defense has been the stronger part of the team. They are 89th in points allowed, 40th in opposing field goal percentage, and 72nd in opposing three-point percentage. Grand Canyon has four players averaging in double figures. Forward Duke Brennan is also one of the best rebounders in the nation.
Final Thoughts
It will be tough for Grand Canyon to win this game. Maryland is one of the most balanced teams in the nation. Even though the Lopes have a history of upsets in the NCAA Tournament, their 2025 tournament will last one game.
