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SEATTLE — Can Colorado State continue the March Madness?
The CSU men's basketball team pulled a 12-5 seed upset Friday in the NCAA Tournament as the Rams beat No. 5 Memphis 78-70 in the first round at Climate Pledge Arena.
Next up for CSU is another big challenge as the Rams face No. 4-seed Maryland.
Here is a look at the key players and figures in the game and a prediction for the second round matchup:
Maryland has one of the best starting five groups in the nation and have been coined the "Crab Five" to play off of crab cakes in Maryland.
All five starters average double figures in scoring, while the highest bench scorer is at 3.5 points per game.
BRACKET UPDATE: Who does Colorado State basketball play next in 2025 NCAA Tournament?
The leader of the "Crab Five" is highly touted NBA prospect Derik Queen. The 6-foot-10 center had 12 points and 15 rebounds as Maryland cruised to an 81-49 first-round win over No. 13 Grand Canyon.
CSU struggled with Memphis big man Dain Dainja Friday, so Queen will be another huge test.
CSU has a megastar of its own in potential first-round pick Nique Clifford. But it's not just Clifford. Clifford had a relatively quiet first-round game, with 14 points on 3-13 shooting (he did add eight rebounds and six assists.
CSU's strength comes in depth and it showed Friday. The Rams wore down the thin Memphis squad. Sophomore point guard Kyan Evans had a legendary 23-point, six 3-pointer effort in the win.
Seven Rams scored in the first round, which is on the lower end of the depth production CSU usually gets. Sunday's game will be a battle of an elite starting five against a 10-deep team effort.
Maryland opened as a 7.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM.
KenPom has Maryland as the No. 11 in the country and Colorado State as No. 43. KenPom projects a seven-point (76-69) win for Maryland.
All logical signs point to Maryland. An NBA star, an elite starting five and top-level defense (No. 6 in KenPom).
CSU will feel it didn't play its best game despite beating Memphis. The Rams are one of the hottest teams in the nation and defying logic right now.
CSU will make a real run at it but Maryland's top talent has just too much.
Maryland 72, CSU 70.
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado State vs Maryland prediction, pick for March Madness 2nd round
Continue reading...
The CSU men's basketball team pulled a 12-5 seed upset Friday in the NCAA Tournament as the Rams beat No. 5 Memphis 78-70 in the first round at Climate Pledge Arena.
Next up for CSU is another big challenge as the Rams face No. 4-seed Maryland.
Here is a look at the key players and figures in the game and a prediction for the second round matchup:
Maryland basketball scouting report: Derick Queen leads super starting 5
Maryland has one of the best starting five groups in the nation and have been coined the "Crab Five" to play off of crab cakes in Maryland.
All five starters average double figures in scoring, while the highest bench scorer is at 3.5 points per game.
BRACKET UPDATE: Who does Colorado State basketball play next in 2025 NCAA Tournament?
The leader of the "Crab Five" is highly touted NBA prospect Derik Queen. The 6-foot-10 center had 12 points and 15 rebounds as Maryland cruised to an 81-49 first-round win over No. 13 Grand Canyon.
CSU struggled with Memphis big man Dain Dainja Friday, so Queen will be another huge test.
Colorado State basketball scouting report: Kyan Evans star performance showcases depth
CSU has a megastar of its own in potential first-round pick Nique Clifford. But it's not just Clifford. Clifford had a relatively quiet first-round game, with 14 points on 3-13 shooting (he did add eight rebounds and six assists.
CSU's strength comes in depth and it showed Friday. The Rams wore down the thin Memphis squad. Sophomore point guard Kyan Evans had a legendary 23-point, six 3-pointer effort in the win.
Seven Rams scored in the first round, which is on the lower end of the depth production CSU usually gets. Sunday's game will be a battle of an elite starting five against a 10-deep team effort.
Early betting odds for Colorado State vs Maryland basketball
Maryland opened as a 7.5-point favorite, according to BetMGM.
KenPom has Maryland as the No. 11 in the country and Colorado State as No. 43. KenPom projects a seven-point (76-69) win for Maryland.
Memphis basketball vs Colorado State prediction
All logical signs point to Maryland. An NBA star, an elite starting five and top-level defense (No. 6 in KenPom).
CSU will feel it didn't play its best game despite beating Memphis. The Rams are one of the hottest teams in the nation and defying logic right now.
CSU will make a real run at it but Maryland's top talent has just too much.
Maryland 72, CSU 70.
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Colorado State vs Maryland prediction, pick for March Madness 2nd round
Continue reading...
