Colorado State vs Maryland Picks and Prediction – 3/23/2025

Colorado State enters this second-round March Madness clash riding a five-game win streak, capped off by a 78-70 win over Memphis. Maryland has won four of its last five, including a dominant 81-49 victory over Grand Canyon in the opening round. Both teams are hot, but the Terrapins have been even more convincing lately. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Colorado State has been solid throughout the year, finishing 26-9 and going 19-4 in the Mountain West. Nique Clifford continues to carry this group, averaging 18.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. He led the Rams in every major statistical category this season. The Rams beat Memphis by attacking the paint and controlling the tempo, and they’ll need Clifford to be great again.

Defensively, Colorado State allows 67.5 points per game and has relied on disciplined perimeter defense and solid rebounding to get here. Clifford also leads the team with 1.2 steals per game, while Jaylen Crocker-Johnson anchors the inside with 0.7 blocks. The Rams are a strong free throw shooting team at 77.2% and have the physicality to compete, but facing a team with Maryland’s depth is a tougher task than what they’ve seen.

Maryland is 26-8 overall, including a dominant 17-2 mark at home, and has been battle-tested in the Big Ten. Derik Queen leads the offense with 16.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, while Ja'Kobi Gillespie adds 4.9 assists and 1.9 steals. The Terrapins dismantled Grand Canyon behind a fast start and never looked back.

Defense has been the key to Maryland’s success, holding teams to just 63.1 points per game. Julian Reese contributes 1.6 blocks per contest, and Queen controls the glass. With strong shooting—Queen hits 52.7% from the field—and a deep bench, Maryland has a clear edge in this matchup.

Maryland’s elite defense, better depth, and strong frontcourt led by Derik Queen give them the advantage. Colorado State has played well, but with Maryland allowing just 63.1 points per game and controlling the paint on both ends, the Terrapins should rule. Final Score Prediction: Maryland Terrapins win and cover 74-65.