The NCAA Tournament first-round matchup between the No. 4 seed Maryland Terrapins and the No. 13 seed Grand Canyon Antelopes on March 21, 2025, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, presents a compelling clash between a traditional power from the Big Ten and a rising mid-major program with a penchant for March upsets. Maryland enters the tournament with a 25-8 record, reflecting a season marked by strong performances in the competitive Big Ten Conference. The Terrapins are led by freshman center Derik Queen, a dynamic presence in the paint who has been instrumental in both scoring and rebounding. Queen’s ability to control the interior on both ends of the floor has been a cornerstone of Maryland’s strategy, providing a reliable scoring option and anchoring their defense. Complementing Queen is guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie, whose perimeter shooting and playmaking abilities have added a versatile dimension to the Terrapins’ offense. Maryland’s approach emphasizes a balanced attack, combining inside dominance with outside shooting, and a defensive scheme that has been effective in limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities. However, their recent narrow loss to Michigan in the Big Ten tournament semifinals, decided by a last-second layup, may raise questions about their late-game execution under pressure. On the other side, Grand Canyon boasts a 26-7 record and has established itself as a formidable mid-major program under the leadership of coach Bryce Drew. The Antelopes secured their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance by winning the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) tournament, demonstrating resilience and consistency. Their roster is rich with experience, as all five starters have participated in multiple NCAA Tournaments, bringing valuable poise and understanding of the high-stakes environment. Forward JaKobe Coles leads the team with an average of 14.8 points per game and was named the WAC tournament’s most outstanding player after elevating his performance during critical moments.

Coles’ versatility allows him to score both inside and from mid-range, making him a challenging matchup for opposing defenses. The Antelopes’ backcourt features Tyon Grant-Foster and Ray Harrison, both of whom have been pivotal in orchestrating the offense and applying defensive pressure. Grand Canyon’s style of play is characterized by a fast-paced offense that capitalizes on transition opportunities and a defense that thrives on creating turnovers. Their previous tournament success, including a first-round upset over Saint Mary’s as a No. 12 seed last year, underscores their capability to challenge higher-seeded teams. From a betting perspective, Maryland is favored by 11.5 points, reflecting expectations of their superiority based on seeding and conference strength. However, Grand Canyon’s track record in the tournament and the experience of their roster suggest they could outperform expectations. The over/under is set at 149.5 points, indicating an anticipated high-scoring affair. Bettors might consider Grand Canyon’s ability to cover the spread, given their history of rising to the occasion in tournament settings. The Antelopes’ experience and previous success as underdogs could influence their performance against the spread. The game’s outcome may hinge on several critical factors. Maryland’s ability to leverage Derik Queen’s dominance in the paint could dictate the tempo and flow of the game. If Queen can establish an early presence, it may open up perimeter opportunities for shooters like Gillespie. Conversely, Grand Canyon’s experience and cohesive play could neutralize Maryland’s advantages. The Antelopes’ propensity for pushing the pace and exploiting transition opportunities might challenge the Terrapins’ defensive setups. Additionally, Grand Canyon’s familiarity with the underdog role and their success in such scenarios could imbue them with the confidence needed to execute their game plan effectively. Both teams’ recent performances, strategic approaches, and individual talents set the stage for an intriguing contest that could defy traditional seeding expectations.