Maryland Terps Triumph in Historic NCAA Tournament Opener, Defy Doubters
SEATTLE — The Maryland Terrapins embraced their bold March Madness mantra, “DOUBT US,” with an emphatic 81-49 victory over Grand Canyon University, marking the largest margin of victory in the program’s NCAA tournament history. Amidst organizational turmoil and a departure of Athletic Director Damon Evans, the team demonstrated its resilience and talent, silencing critics with their commanding performance.
Maryland’s victory showcased the strength of players like Julian Reese and Derik Queen, who combined for 30 points and 24 rebounds. The Lopes struggled offensively, posting a mere 29% shooting from the field. The Terps dominated every facet of the game, outscoring Grand Canyon 44-16 in the paint and converting 22 points off turnovers.
Reese, a veteran leader, emphasized the importance of focusing on what they can control despite the surrounding noise. After starting their conference play with difficulties, the Terps rallied together to find success. Coach Kevin Willard noted his players’ composure during the game, especially during jittery moments early on.
Deliciously ironic, the Terps’ mantra could have easily turned into mockery had they faltered, but instead they proved their mettle on the court. Backup DeShawn Harris-Smith even added to the celebration with a perfect 5-for-5 performance, reinforcing the team’s depth.
Looking ahead, the Terps will face 12-seed Colorado State, fresh off a thrilling victory against Memphis. As they continue their quest, the Terps remain unfazed by any external distractions, further solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the tournament. With confidence soaring, doubters beware — the Terps have arrived.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
