The No. 4-seed Maryland men’s basketball team is making its return to the NCAA tournament, presenting a strong opportunity for a significant run. Their journey begins this Friday in Seattle as they face off against the No. 13-seed Grand Canyon.
For most players on the Terps roster, this matchup against the Antelopes marks their first experience in the excitement of March Madness. Grand Canyon is back in the tournament after gaining recognition in the previous year. Notably, the two teams have never faced each other before.
The first-round game is scheduled to start at 4:35 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on TBS.
Grand Canyon Antelopes (26-7, 13-3 Western Athletic)
As the only for-profit institution competing in Division I, Grand Canyon has enjoyed significant success. Having moved to Division I for the 2013-14 season, the Antelopes have claimed four championships in the Western Athletic Conference tournaments during 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025, securing their spot in the tournament each time.
Fans may recall the Antelopes’ notable victory over then-No. 5-seed Saint Mary’s last year, marking their first win in March Madness history. In the second round, they held a lead against then-No. 4-seed Alabama with just over five minutes remaining before ultimately losing the game.
Under the leadership of fifth-year head coach Bryce Drew, Grand Canyon has retained many key players from last season while also enhancing its roster. With a starting lineup consisting of four seniors, the team is ranked No. 93 nationally according to KenPom.com and navigated the WAC tournament smoothly. The Antelopes bring experience, size, and depth to the table, making them an atypical No. 13-seed.
Key Players
JaKobe Coles, senior forward, 6-foot-8, No. 21 — Coles is a recent addition to the Antelopes, having transferred from TCU. He has quickly become a key player for the team, leading with an average of 14.8 points per game along with 5.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists, starting in every game this season.
Tyon Grant-Foster, graduate guard, 6-foot-7, No. 7 — As last season’s standout player, Grant-Foster averaged 20.1 points per game and earned WAC Player of the Year honors. Though he has faced some challenges this season due to injury, he remains an experienced competitive force.
Duke Brennan, junior forward, 6-foot-10, No. 24 — Brennan serves primarily as a defensive player, crucial for matching up against Maryland’s key forwards. He has been a consistent presence on the court, contributing 10.7 points and 9.2 rebounds on average this season.
Strengths
Defensive capabilities. The Antelopes excel in disrupting their opponents with a solid defense, averaging 9.4 steals and 5.1 blocks per game, which places them among the top in the nation. Although Maryland demonstrated excellent ball security in the Big Ten Tournament, Grand Canyon’s defensive strategy could potentially turn the game’s momentum.
Weaknesses
Shooting from long range. Grand Canyon’s performance from beyond the arc leaves much to be desired, with a 31.5% shooting percentage, ranking them 309th in the country. In contrast, Maryland’s three-point shooting stands out at 37.2%, placing them 35th nationally.
Three Key Factors to Observe
1. Depth of the bench versus the starting five. A well-rounded bench can play a significant role in the game, potentially overpowering the Terps. Grand Canyon boasts consistent contributions from eight players who average more minutes than Maryland’s primary bench player, Deshawn Harris-Smith, and all score at least six points per game.
2. Reese’s return to the tournament scene. Julian Reese shined in last year’s first-round game against No. 9-seed West Virginia and held his own against the star player of No. 1-seed Alabama until foul trouble hindered his performance. Now stronger and more skilled, Maryland depends on him to lead effectively in this pivotal stage of his college career.
3. Maryland’s backcourt defense strategy. Ja’Kobi Gillespie, while being Maryland’s top defensive guard, may struggle against Grand Canyon’s two standout guards, Grant-Foster and Rayshon Harrison. Observing how head coach Kevin Willard addresses this possible mismatch will be crucial throughout the game.
