Grand Canyon Antelopes vs Maryland Terrapins Prediction – 3/21/2025

The NCAA Tournament's first round brings an exciting matchup between the No. 4 seed Maryland Terrapins and the No. 13 seed Grand Canyon Antelopes. Scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025, at 4:35 p.m. ET at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, this game promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have demonstrated strong performances this season, setting the stage for an engaging battle.

Grand Canyon Antelopes vs. Maryland Terrapins Game Preview

Grand Canyon enters the tournament with a 26-7 record, having secured the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) tournament championship by defeating Utah Valley 89-82. The Antelopes have been impressive offensively, averaging 79.2 points per game on 46.1% shooting. Key contributors include JaKobe Coles, who leads the team with 14.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, and Tyon Grant-Foster, adding 14.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. The team also benefits from the playmaking abilities of Ray Harrison, who averages 11.6 points and 2.9 assists per game.

Maryland, with a 25-8 record, is making its second NCAA tournament appearance in the last three years. The Terrapins reached the Big Ten tournament semifinals before narrowly losing to Michigan 81-80. Offensively, Maryland averages 81.7 points per game, shooting 47.2% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range. Freshman standout Derik Queen leads the team with 16.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. The backcourt is bolstered by Ja'Kobi Gillespie, contributing 14.7 points and 5.0 assists per game, and Rodney Rice, adding 13.9 points per game.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, Maryland is favored by 10.5 points, with the over/under set at 150.5 points. The moneyline stands at Maryland -600 and Grand Canyon +425.

Key betting trends to consider:

• Grand Canyon is 6-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last seven games and 14-2 ATS in their last 16 games played in March.
• Maryland is 7-3 ATS in their last ten games and 9-2 straight up when playing as the favorite.

Grand Canyon Antelopes vs. Maryland Terrapins Prediction

Analyzing the matchup, Maryland's experience against higher-caliber competition in the Big Ten provides them with a significant advantage. Their efficient offense, combined with a solid defense allowing 67 points per game, positions them well against Grand Canyon. The Antelopes, while potent offensively, have struggled against power conference teams, going 0-5 in their last five matchups against Big Ten opponents.

Maryland's superior three-point shooting (37.2% compared to Grand Canyon's 31.5%) and disciplined defense are likely to be decisive factors. While Grand Canyon has shown resilience and strong ATS performance, Maryland's overall strength and experience make them the more favorable pick.

Prediction: Maryland 78, Grand Canyon 69.

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