#4 Maryland vs #1 Florida NCAAB Pick: A Tough 1-4 Elite Eight Battle (Mar 27)

• Maryland defeated Colorado St. 72-71.
• Florida defeated UConn 77-75.
• These two teams last met on Dec. 12th 2021, when Maryland won 70-68.

The #4 seed Maryland Terrapins are set to face the #1 seed Florida Gators in the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight on Mar. 27, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. Both teams have demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the season, making this a highly anticipated matchup with a Final Four berth at stake.

Terrapins Escaped A Close Call

The Terrapins have had a strong season, finishing with a 27-8 record and securing the 2nd spot in the Big Ten Conference. Senior forward Julian Reese anchors the defense with his shot-blocking ability and rebounding prowess.

Their offense averages 81.4 points per game, ranking 24th nationally, while their defense allows 66.6 points per game.

Center Derik Queen leads the team with 16.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, providing a dominant presence in the paint. Guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie contributes significantly with 14.6 points and 5.0 assists per game, facilitating the Terrapins’ offensive flow.

To overcome Florida, Maryland will need to leverage their balanced attack and maintain defensive intensity to counter the Gators’ high-scoring offense. Maintaining composure under pressure and executing their game plan effectively will be crucial for the Terrapins to advance to the Elite Eight.

The Gators Have A Lot To Prove

The Gators have been dominant this season, boasting a high-powered offense that has overwhelmed many opponents. Their potent offense averages 85.4 points per game, ranking 4th nationally, complemented by a defense that allows 69.4 points per game.

Guard Walter Clayton Jr. leads the team with 17.9 points and 4.2 assists per game, orchestrating the Gators’ dynamic offense. Forward Thomas Haugh adds depth with 9.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, contributing both offensively and defensively.

To secure a win against Maryland, Florida will aim to dictate the pace, exploit mismatches, and maintain their shooting efficiency from beyond the arc. Florida’s strategy will focus on utilizing their offensive firepower and maintaining defensive pressure to disrupt Maryland’s rhythm.

Maryland Terrapins vs Florida Gators Pick

Florida enters the game as a -5.5 favorite and the top seed with a high-powered offense and a solid defense, giving them a slight edge in this matchup. However, Maryland’s balanced attack and recent performances indicate they can compete at a high level. This game is expected to be closely contested, with both teams having legitimate paths to victory.