What were Julian Reese’s contributions to Maryland’s victory over Grand Canyon? How did the Terps manage to secure such a significant margin in the game? What impact did Derik Queen’s performance have on the outcome? In what ways did Maryland’s defense play a role in their win? How did Grand Canyon’s performance compare to their previous tournament appearance?
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, and 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.”
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.
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. 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. 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.”
Julian Reese Leads Maryland to Dominant Victory Over Grand Canyon in March Madness
As the March Madness tournament progressed, fans were treated to thrilling upsets and stunning performances. One of the standout moments of this exhilarating NCAA tournament came when the Maryland Terrapins took on the Grand Canyon Antelopes in a first-round matchup, where Maryland showcased their formidable talent with a commanding 81-49 victory. Central to this triumph was the impressive play of sophomore forward Julian Reese, whose performance was nothing short of spectacular.
The Build-Up to the Game
Entering the tournament, Maryland was considered a dark horse contender, boasting a strong regular season and a roster filled with young talent. Grand Canyon, on the other hand, qualified after a gritty run through the Western Athletic Conference, generating buzz for their ability to pull off surprises. Fans and analysts alike were eager to see how the matchup would unfold, particularly with eyes on Maryland’s frontcourt and its ability to dominate under the basket.
A Stellar First Half
The game began with both teams feeling each other out, but it wasn’t long before Maryland established its dominance. Julian Reese, a pivotal figure for the Terrapins, quickly made his presence felt. With his versatility and athleticism, Reese was able to score efficiently both in the paint and from mid-range. His ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line added to Grand Canyon’s early struggles. The first half ended with Maryland leading 43-23, and the momentum was clearly on their side.
Reese’s performance in the opening half was characterized by his energy and relentless pursuit of the ball. He logged 12 points and grabbed several critical rebounds, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair. His defensive tenacity also contributed to holding Grand Canyon to a meager shooting percentage, stifling their offensive sets and forcing them into tough shots.
Dominating the Paint
As the second half commenced, Maryland continued to apply pressure. Julian Reese, along with his teammates, consistently exploited mismatches inside. The Terrapins’ ability to control the paint was evident, as they out-rebounded the Antelopes significantly. The teamwork and unselfish ball movement allowed Maryland to find open shots, leading to a barrage of three-pointers from the perimeter, effectively stretching the Grand Canyon defense.
Reese’s passing ability also shone through during this period. His willingness to distribute the ball and find open teammates created numerous scoring opportunities, showcasing his development as a player. Maryland’s offense was fluid, leveraging Reese’s talent both as a scorer and a facilitator. As a result, his contributions were not limited to scoring alone; he executed several key assists that contributed to the team’s great offensive rhythm.
Defensive Masterclass
While the offensive output was impressive, it was Maryland’s defense that truly set them apart. Led by Reese and a swarming perimeter defense, the Terrapins suffocated Grand Canyon’s offensive rhythm. The Antelopes were left searching for answers, unable to find stable shot opportunities as they were forced to take contested shots. This relentless defensive pressure led to several fast-break points for Maryland, turning defense into offense quickly.
Reese’s ability to switch on defense and guard multiple positions contributed to Maryland’s versatility. His length and agility allowed him to contest shots effectively while remaining a formidable presence on the boards. The Terrapins finished the game with a staggering number of steals, further emphasizing their defensive prowess.
The Final Stretch
As the game approached its conclusion, the outcome was all but inevitable. With a significant lead, head coach Kevin Willard had the luxury of rotating his bench players, giving younger athletes valuable minutes in a tournament setting. Julian Reese, who finished the game with an outstanding stat line of 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, left the court to a thunderous applause from the Maryland faithful.
The final buzzer rang out with a score of 81-49, a resounding confirmation of Maryland’s dominance in this matchup. The Terrapins made a strong statement not only about their ability to compete with higher seeds, but also about their own potential trajectory in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
With this decisive win, Maryland positioned itself as a team to watch in the subsequent rounds of March Madness. If Julian Reese and his teammates maintain this level of play, they could indeed make a deep run in the tournament. As they prepare for their upcoming match, the confidence gained from such a dominating performance will undoubtedly bolster their spirit and resolve.
As March Madness continues, fans are sure to keep a close eye on Julian Reese and the Maryland Terrapins. This high-stakes tournament has a way of revealing the true character of teams— and Maryland’s first-round blowout was a hint of the thrilling journey that may lie ahead.
In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, Julian Reese led Maryland to a decisive victory over Grand Canyon with a final score of 81-49. The game showcased Maryland’s strong defensive strategies and offensive execution. Their ability to dominate the boards and create turnovers was evident throughout the match, allowing them to maintain control and build a substantial lead. The Terrapins’ performance not only highlighted their potential in the tournament but also set a strong tone for their future games in March Madness.