Maryland vs Florida Picks and Prediction – 3/27/2025

Maryland comes into this Sweet 16 showdown at 27-8, riding a nail-biting 72-71 win over Colorado State. The Terrapins have won four of their last five, including a dominant 81-49 victory over Grand Canyon in the Round of 64. Florida enters red-hot at 32-4 after edging Connecticut 77-75, their fifth straight win with each victory coming against quality opponents. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Maryland continues to lean on Derik Queen, who leads with 16.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game while shooting 52.7% from the field. The Terrapins can be efficient when they get into a rhythm but have shown inconsistency offensively, especially on the perimeter. In the Round of 32, their defense was the difference, forcing tough shots and controlling the glass.

Defensively, Maryland allows just 67.1 points per game and has been physical in the paint. Ja’Kobi Gillespie leads the team with 4.9 assists and 1.9 steals, creating pressure up top. The Terrapins are hitting 74.3% from the free throw line and shoot 35.2% from three. Julian Reese adds rim protection with 1.6 blocks per game, and this unit has held three of its last five opponents under 70 points.

Florida keeps rolling behind Walter Clayton Jr., who averages 17.7 points and 4.3 assists while hitting 85.8% from the line. The Gators dropped 95 on Norfolk and followed it with 77 against a stingy Connecticut defense. Their offense is humming with quick ball movement and solid spacing. Florida averages 84.2 points per game and shoots 36.5% from three.

Defensively, the Gators give up 71.9 points per contest and rely on Alex Condon’s presence inside, with 7.8 boards and 1.4 blocks. Will Richard chips in with 1.7 steals as Florida plays an aggressive perimeter defense. This group dominates the glass and gets to the line often, making the Gators tough to close out late in games.

Florida is deeper, more balanced, and has shown they can win both shootouts and grinder games. The Gators averaging over 84 points per game while Maryland leans too much on Derik Queen to carry the scoring load. The Gators' perimeter defense should frustrate Gillespie, and their offensive pace will wear down the Terrapins over 40 minutes. Final Score Prediction: Florida Gators win and covers 82-72.