Latest news with #CrabFive
NBC Sports
28-03-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Will Richard and top-seeded Florida run away from Maryland's ‘Crab Five' for 87-71 March Madness win
SAN FRANCISCO — Florida's three standout seniors and its deep bench kept bringing energy until it became too tough for Maryland's 'Crab Five' to keep up. Coach Todd Golden could see his Gators wearing the Terrapins down. Will Richard scored 15 points, Alijah Martin added 14 points and seven rebounds, and No. 1 seed Florida played a steady second half to run away from fourth-seeded Maryland and into the NCAA Tournament's West Region final with an 87-71 win Thursday night. Walter Clayton Jr. contributed 13 points and four assists as Florida's senior leaders and their deep supporting cast took down Maryland's hardworking starters — one of Terrapins coach Kevin Willard's concerns coming into this matchup. 'We come in with great energy,' said Florida reserve Denzel Aberdeen, who scored 12 points in 19 minutes. 'Just everybody being ready, whoever's name is called, I think that's what we did.' Freshman sensation Derik Queen scored 27 points to lead Maryland (27-9) in what might have been Willard's final game guiding the program. 'I think their bench really wore us down,' Willard said. Florida (33-4) advances to play Saturday against the winner of Thursday's late game at Chase Center between third-seeded Texas Tech and No. 10 seed Arkansas. The Gators, in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017 and seeking the program's first Final Four berth since 2014, committed 13 of their 17 turnovers in the first half but took better care of the ball over the final 20 minutes. Florida already eliminated two-time defending NCAA champion UConn in the second round and is 10-1 in regional semifinals. 'The message was simple: We have to take care of the ball,' Golden, the Gators' third-year coach, said. The 'Crab Five' — featuring WNBA star Angel Reese's brother Julian, who had his sister in the stands to cheer — roared back in the first half when it seemed Florida might pull away. Queen, who hit a buzzer-beater in a 72-71 victory Sunday over Colorado State in the second round, shot 8 for 17 and made all 10 of his free throws. Clayton, Martin and Richard combined for 42 points and three others scored in double figures for Florida. The senior trio had scored 56 of the Gators' 77 points in the two-point victory against UConn last Sunday. That sent coach Golden back to the Bay Area, where he played for Saint Mary's and coached at the University of San Francisco before taking the Florida job. Now, they get to extend their stay into the weekend. 'It's surreal, to be honest. The thing that I keep kind of going back to, selfishly, personally, I just don't want it to end,' Golden said. 'We have a uniquely tight group. ... It's been an amazing run.' What's next for Willard? Willard's future was unclear as he has been linked to the Villanova job and also publicly expressed concerns last week with the direction of the Terrapins program, calling for 'fundamental changes.' Fans booed the coach as the team departed its hotel earlier in the day. Golden had described the Terrapins as 'freaky talented' coming into the game. Clayton from deep Willard had compared Clayton to Stephen Curry when it comes to shooting off the dribble. Clayton had been 22 for 43 from 3-point range — 51.2% — over his five postseason tournament games coming in. He wound up 2 of 6 from deep. Takeaways Maryland: The Terrapins were outrebounded 5-1 early before Reese's offensive rebound, putback and three-point play at the 15:21 mark of the first half — and Maryland forced 10 turnovers over the opening 13:30 to get back in the game. Florida: The Southeastern Conference Tournament champion Gators used their depth to generate a 29-3 advantage in bench points, with Maryland getting its first bench point with 1:15 to play. ... Sophomore forward-center Alex Condon limped off to the locker room with an injury to his troublesome right ankle at the 12:16 mark of the first half and underwent a precautionary X-ray, then returned with 13:29 left.
Fox Sports
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Will Richard and top-seeded Florida run away from Maryland's 'Crab Five' for 87-71 March Madness win
Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Florida's three standout seniors and its deep bench kept bringing energy until it became too tough for Maryland's 'Crab Five' to keep up. Coach Todd Golden could see his Gators wearing the Terrapins down. Will Richard scored 15 points, Alijah Martin added 14 points and seven rebounds, and No. 1 seed Florida played a steady second half to run away from fourth-seeded Maryland and into the NCAA Tournament's West Region final with an 87-71 win Thursday night. Walter Clayton Jr. contributed 13 points and four assists as Florida's senior leaders and their deep supporting cast took down Maryland's hardworking starters — one of Terrapins coach Kevin Willard's concerns coming into this matchup. 'We come in with great energy," said Florida reserve Denzel Aberdeen, who scored 12 points in 19 minutes. 'Just everybody being ready, whoever's name is called, I think that's what we did.' Freshman sensation Derik Queen scored 27 points to lead Maryland (27-9) in what might have been Willard's final game guiding the program. 'I think their bench really wore us down,' Willard said. Florida (33-4) advances to play Saturday against the winner of Thursday's late game at Chase Center between third-seeded Texas Tech and No. 10 seed Arkansas. The Gators, in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017 and seeking the program's first Final Four berth since 2014, committed 13 of their 17 turnovers in the first half but took better care of the ball over the final 20 minutes. Florida already eliminated two-time defending NCAA champion UConn in the second round and is 10-1 in regional semifinals. "The message was simple: We have to take care of the ball," Golden, the Gators' third-year coach, said. The 'Crab Five' — featuring WNBA star Angel Reese's brother Julian, who had his sister in the stands to cheer — roared back in the first half when it seemed Florida might pull away. Queen, who hit a buzzer-beater in a 72-71 victory Sunday over Colorado State in the second round, shot 8 for 17 and made all 10 of his free throws. Clayton, Martin and Richard combined for 42 points and three others scored in double figures for Florida. The senior trio had scored 56 of the Gators' 77 points in the two-point victory against UConn last Sunday. That sent coach Golden back to the Bay Area, where he played for Saint Mary's and coached at the University of San Francisco before taking the Florida job. Now, they get to extend their stay into the weekend. 'It's surreal, to be honest. The thing that I keep kind of going back to, selfishly, personally, I just don't want it to end,' Golden said. 'We have a uniquely tight group. ... It's been an amazing run.' What's next for Willard? Willard's future was unclear as he has been linked to the Villanova job and also publicly expressed concerns last week with the direction of the Terrapins program, calling for 'fundamental changes.' Fans booed the coach as the team departed its hotel earlier in the day. Golden had described the Terrapins as 'freaky talented' coming into the game. Clayton from deep Willard had compared Clayton to Stephen Curry when it comes to shooting off the dribble. Clayton had been 22 for 43 from 3-point range — 51.2% — over his five postseason tournament games coming in. He wound up 2 of 6 from deep. Takeaways Maryland: The Terrapins were outrebounded 5-1 early before Reese's offensive rebound, putback and three-point play at the 15:21 mark of the first half — and Maryland forced 10 turnovers over the opening 13:30 to get back in the game. Florida: The Southeastern Conference Tournament champion Gators used their depth to generate a 29-3 advantage in bench points, with Maryland getting its first bench point with 1:15 to play. ... Sophomore forward-center Alex Condon limped off to the locker room with an injury to his troublesome right ankle at the 12:16 mark of the first half and underwent a precautionary X-ray, then returned with 13:29 left. ___ AP March Madness bracket: and coverage: Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. recommended
NBC Sports
22-03-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Julian Reese and Maryland blow out Grand Canyon 81-49 in March Madness
SEATTLE — Julian Reese had 18 points and nine rebounds, and fourth-seeded Maryland pounded No. 13 seed Grand Canyon 81-49 on Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Ja'Kobi Gillespie added 16 points for the Terrapins (26-8), who will play No. 12 Colorado State on Sunday in the second round of the West Region. The Rams beat fifth-seeded Memphis 78-70. Derik Queen, the Big Ten freshman of the year who was averaging 16.3 points and nine rebounds a game, finished with 12 points and 15 boards, becoming the first Maryland freshman with a double-double in the tournament since Jalen Smith in 2019. 'We just stayed together as a team and just kept punching and kept punching and kept punching,' Queen said. 'And we just defended. We did everything well that we usually do as a team, as just went out there and played hard.' Tyon Grant-Foster led Grand Canyon (26-8) with 23 points. Led by a hardworking group of starters nicknamed the 'Crab Five,' the Terps overwhelmed the Lopes, winning by the biggest margin in the school's tournament history. Grand Canyon got within 44-32 early in the second half on a jumper by Ray Harrison, but the Lopes moved no closer. Both teams got off to a slow start. Maryland led 15-10 midway through the first half and then went on an 18-1 run, capped by Rodney Rice's 3-pointer. 'I think everybody was just nervous a little bit and just let that get to them,' Gillespie said. 'But then we locked in defensively.' Maryland, an at-large entrant to the tournament after falling 81-80 to Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals, led 42-28 at the break. Grand Canyon beat Utah Valley to win the Western Athletic Conference Tournament title and an automatic berth. It was the Lopes' third straight year in the tournament, but they failed to repeat last year's run to the second round. 'We had many good looks, couldn't make them,' Grand Canyon coach Bryce Drew said. 'We had a little lead early, we should have been up a lot more early. And then once they got the lead, slowly momentum just kept shifting this thing in their way.' More than the starters While the Crab Five all averaged in double figures during the season, DeShawn Harris-Smith contributed 11 points in 24 minutes off the bench on Friday after going scoreless in his last nine games. He hit back-to-back layups that stretched the Terps' lead to 26-12. 'He's been steady all year,' Terps coach Kevin Willard said. 'He's been a great leader, I think these guys will all say.' Four of the Crab Five scored in double figures against Grand Canyon. Record breaker Selton Miguel hit a 3-pointer with 3:08 left in the first half that gave Maryland a 39-22 lead and gave the Terps 273 3s this season, breaking the program record. More Queen Queen had 10 points or more for the 13th straight game, the longest streak by a Maryland freshman since Melo Trimble (18 games) in 2014-15. Rumors swirl Willard bristled at continued talk about his future and his thoughts about Maryland's program after he emerged as a possible candidate for the coaching job at Villanova. Willard also caused a stir in a news conference on Thursday by suggesting that Maryland's athletic director, Damon Evans, is 'probably going to SMU.'
Fox Sports
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Julian Reese and Maryland blow out Grand Canyon 81-49 in March Madness
Associated Press SEATTLE (AP) — Julian Reese had 18 points and nine rebounds, and fourth-seeded Maryland pounded No. 13 seed Grand Canyon 81-49 on Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Ja'Kobi Gillespie added 16 points for the Terrapins (26-8), who will play No. 12 Colorado State on Sunday in the second round of the West Region. The Rams beat fifth-seeded Memphis 78-70. Derik Queen, the Big Ten freshman of the year who was averaging 16.3 points and nine rebounds a game, finished with 12 points and 15 boards, becoming the first Maryland freshman with a double-double in the tournament since Jalen Smith in 2019. Tyon Grant-Foster led Grand Canyon (26-8) with 23 points. Led by a hardworking group of starters nicknamed the 'Crab Five,' the Terps overwhelmed the Lopes. Grand Canyon got within 44-32 early in the second half on a jumper by Ray Harrison, but the Lopes moved no closer. Both teams got off to a slow start. Maryland led 15-10 midway through the first half and then went on an 18-1 run, capped by Rodney Rice's 3-pointer. Maryland, an at-large entrant to the tournament after falling 81-80 to Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals, led 42-28 at the break. Grand Canyon beat Utah Valley to win the Western Athletic Conference Tournament title and an automatic berth. It was the Lopes' third straight year in the tournament, but they failed to repeat last year's run to the second round. More than the starters While the Crab Five all averaged in double figures during the season, DeShawn Harris-Smith contributed 11 points in 24 minutes off the bench on Friday after going scoreless in his last nine games. He hit back-to-back layups that stretched the Terps' lead to 26-12. Record breaker Selton Miguel hit a 3-pointer with 3:08 left in the first half that gave Maryland a 39-22 lead and gave the Terps 273 3s this season, breaking the program record. ___ AP March Madness bracket: and coverage: Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. recommended
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Julian Reese and Maryland blow out Grand Canyon 81-49 in March Madness
SEATTLE (AP) — Julian Reese had 18 points and nine rebounds, and fourth-seeded Maryland pounded No. 13 seed Grand Canyon 81-49 on Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Ja'Kobi Gillespie added 16 points for the Terrapins (26-8), who will play No. 12 Colorado State on Sunday in the second round of the West Region. The Rams beat fifth-seeded Memphis 78-70. Derik Queen, the Big Ten freshman of the year who was averaging 16.3 points and nine rebounds a game, finished with 12 points and 15 boards, becoming the first Maryland freshman with a double-double in the tournament since Jalen Smith in 2019. Tyon Grant-Foster led Grand Canyon (26-8) with 23 points. Led by a hardworking group of starters nicknamed the 'Crab Five,' the Terps overwhelmed the Lopes. Grand Canyon got within 44-32 early in the second half on a jumper by Ray Harrison, but the Lopes moved no closer. Both teams got off to a slow start. Maryland led 15-10 midway through the first half and then went on an 18-1 run, capped by Rodney Rice's 3-pointer. Maryland, an at-large entrant to the tournament after falling 81-80 to Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals, led 42-28 at the break. Grand Canyon beat Utah Valley to win the Western Athletic Conference Tournament title and an automatic berth. It was the Lopes' third straight year in the tournament, but they failed to repeat last year's run to the second round. More than the starters While the Crab Five all averaged in double figures during the season, DeShawn Harris-Smith contributed 11 points in 24 minutes off the bench on Friday after going scoreless in his last nine games. He hit back-to-back layups that stretched the Terps' lead to 26-12. Record breaker Selton Miguel hit a 3-pointer with 3:08 left in the first half that gave Maryland a 39-22 lead and gave the Terps 273 3s this season, breaking the program record. ___ AP March Madness bracket: and coverage: Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here.
