SAN FRANCISCO ― Florida basketball returns to the court to face Maryland in a Sweet 16 game that features two of the top offenses in college basketball
The No. 1 seed Florida Gators (32-4) rank third in the nation in scoring offense at 85.4 points per game, while No. 5 seed Maryland (27-8) ranks 23rd at 81.4 ppg.
Florida is seeking its first Elite Eight appearance since 2017 and hopes to make its sixth Final Four trip in school history.
Four of UF’s starters are averaging double figures in scoring led by senior All-American point guard Walter Clayton Jr., who is averaging 17.9 points and 4.2 assists per game.
“The separator for our team is what I call our team talent, the way our guys play together ― the unselfishness, their willingness to support whoever’s night it is,” Florida basketball coach Todd Golden said. “One guy can be hot and we have no bad body language. We have nobody just disappointed that it’s not them.”
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Maryland is led by freshman center Derik Queen (16.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg), who earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. Queen (6-10, 246 pounds) and Julian Reese (6-9, 232 pounds) form a formidable Maryland frontline. The duo has developed a bond on and off the court.
“Ju has been a big brother all year,” Maryland coach Kevin Willard said. “On the court he’s helped Derik develop tremendously with physicality getting used to it in the Big Ten. I think Derik conversely has been a great little brother because he’s always joking around and smiling. I think it’s really helped Ju enjoy his senior year and really relax.”
Florida basketball vs Maryland live updates
Florida basketball maintaining lead over Maryland, F Alex Condon back in the game
Florida basketball remains up 63-54 on Maryland with 10:24 remaining. Alex Condon has returned to the game after rolling his ankle in the first half. UF with 16 turnovers but has overcome that by shooting 42.9% (9-21) from 3-point range.
Florida basketball extends lead, forces Maryland to call timeout
Florida takes a 50-42 lead after back to back dunks by center Rueben Chinyelu, forcing Maryland coach Kevin Willard to call a timeout with 16:15 left. Gators doing a good job breaking down Maryland’s defense in the second half.
Florida basketball F Alex Condon back on floor for warmups at halftime
Florida basketball forward Alex Condon is back out on the floor for warmups in the second half. Just sank a 3-pointer. Not favoring ankle which is a good sign. Still listed as questionable to return and Thomas Haugh is starting the second half at forward for UF.
Florida basketball takes slim lead into halftime
Florida basketball takes a slim 40-38 lead into the half against Maryland. The Gators were fortunate to overcome 13 first turnovers in the first half. UF led by as many as 11 points in the first half before letting Maryland back in the game with its sloppy play. Will Richard and Walter Clayton Jr. with 12 points apiece to lead UF. Ja’Kobi Gillespie with 15 points to lead Maryland.
Florida basketball takes lead into final TV timeout
Florida basketball remains up 31-30 on Maryland on final TV timeout. Alex Condon still being evaluated in the locker room, so looks like they are going to have to ride forward Thomas Haugh the rest of the way. Will Richard with 10 points to lead UF.
Florida basketball up at second TV timeout, Alex Condon leaves with ankle injury
Florida is up 18-9 at second TV timeout on Maryland, but starting forward Alex Condon just left the game after rolling his ankle on the court on a non-contact injury.
Florida basketball leads at first TV timeout
Florida up 7-6 at first TV timeout. Gators with three turnovers early, while Maryland has two turnovers. Alex Condon with four points for UF, Julian Reese four points for Maryland,
Florida basketball vs Maryland crowd
Crowd about a 50-50 split between Florida and Maryland with two teams from the east coast. The 18.000-seat arena isn’t full.
Maryland basketball starters
G Gillespie, G Rice, G Miguel, F Reese, C Queen
Florida basketball starters
G Clayton Jr., G Martin, G Richard, F Condon, C Chinyelu
Florida basketball vs Maryland officials
Officials for Florida basketball vs Maryland: Brent Hampton, Bart Lenox, Mike Reed
Florida basketball vs Maryland start time, location
- Start time: 7:39 p.m. ET
- Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, Calif. (cap. 18,064)
What channel is Florida basketball vs Maryland game on today?
Radio: Gator Radio Network
TV channel: TBS, TruTV
Streaming: Sling
Florida basketball vs Maryland prediction
Florida 77, Maryland 70: In another grind-it-out game, Florida will find a way to reach the Elite Eight. Look for forward Alex Condon to bounce back and force Maryland center Deric Queen to work for his offense, the way he did with Auburn’s Johni Broome in UF’s 90-81 upset of the Tigers on Feb. 8. Walter Clayton Jr. will continue to step up and make big shots for the Gators.
Florida basketball vs Maryland betting odds
Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Thursday afteroon
- Spread: Florida -6.5
- Over/Under: 156.5 points
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