๐ 4 Maryland vs. 13 Grand Canyon ๐
๐ Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
โฐ Time: 4:35 p.m. ET (1:35 p.m. PST / 2:35 p.m. MST)
๐๏ธ Location: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington
๐ฟ TV: TBS
Maryland Terrapins (25-8)
๐Game Efficiency Rating (GER): 122.83
๐ Advanced Efficiency Rating: 0.061
Summary: Maryland enters the tournament with a balanced attack, featuring a top-tier defense ranked 7th nationally in defensive efficiency (per KenPom) and allowing just 66.8 points per game. Offensively, theyโre led by freshman standout Derik Queen (16.3 points, 9.0 rebounds per game) and senior Julian Reese (13.1 points, 9.0 rebounds). The Terrapins shoot efficiently inside the arc (52.9% field goal percentage) and have a dynamic backcourt with JaโKobi Gillespie (14.7 points, 5.0 assists). Their size and depth make them a tough matchup.
Grand Canyon Antelopes (26-7)
๐Game Efficiency Rating (GER): 112.28
๐ Advanced Efficiency Rating: -0.061
Summary: Grand Canyon brings a seasoned squad with NCAA Tournament experience, boasting an 8th-ranked defensive efficiency (KenPom) and a knack for forcing tough shots (opponents shoot 44.7% from two since February). Offensively, they rely on senior forward JaKobe Coles (14.8 points, 52.1% FG) and graduate guard Tyon Grant-Foster (14.8 points, 6.0 rebounds). The Antelopes play with pace, rank 22nd in bench scoring, and have won 15 of their last 17 games, showcasing their late-season surge.
Prediction: Maryland 71, Grand Canyon 72
#MarchMadness2025 #MarchMadness
๐ 4 Purdue vs. 13 High Point ๐
๐ Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
โฐ Time: 12:40 p.m. ET (9:40 a.m. PST / 10:40 a.m. MST)
๐๏ธ Location: Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, Rhode Island
๐ฟTV: truTV
Purdue Boilermakers (22-11)
๐AER (Advanced Efficiency Rating): -0.052
๐GER (Game Efficiency Rating): 105.8
Summary: Purdue boasts a top-tier offense, ranking 7th nationally in field goal percentage (49.0%) and 12th in offensive efficiency per KenPom. They excel at ball movement (15.9 assists per game) and limiting turnovers (10.4 per game). Watch out for Braden Smith to take over this game.
High Point Panthers (29-5)
๐AER (Advanced Efficiency Rating): 0.012
๐GER (Game Efficiency Rating): 105.20
Summary: High Pointโs offense is elite, ranking 18th nationally in scoring (82.2 points per game), 7th in field goal percentage (49.4%), and 25th in offensive efficiency (KenPom). They push the pace, take care of the ball (10 turnovers per game), and feature a deep rotation with eight players averaging 5+ points. Their ability to attack the rim and kick out to shooters like Johnston keeps defenses honest.
Prediction: Purdue 70, High Point 67
#MarchMadness2025 #MarchMadness
Being brutally honest, @BoilerBall has this W in the bag, but I hope @HighPointSports proves me wrong - it all comes down to these final minutes ๐
This. Is. March.
#MarchMadness