By Tahlia Williams
For the first time since 2016, University of Maryland basketball fans got to celebrate a historic March Madness run as both the men’s and women’s teams punched their tickets to the Sweet 16.
The excitement was noticeable across campus, and students still revel in the thrilling victories that sent the teams to the next round.
Jonathan Jancewicz, a sophomore journalism student, explained how this year’s team instilled some confidence in fans across campus. “This is the first time in a long time where I have had hope in Maryland sports,” he said. “Every year, each team comes up short. But this year is different, there is a palpable excitement that I have never seen before. I really hope the school capitalizes on it.”
On the men’s side, freshman Derik Queen cemented his name in the books of Maryland basketball with a two-point lay-up buzzer-beating shot to lift the Terps past No. 12 Colorado State in the Round of 32. The electrifying finish stunned the Rams and sent Maryland to a Sweet 16 showdown with No. 1 Florida. For Queen, a highly praised recruit, it was a moment of validation. For Maryland fans, it was a reminder of the program’s potential to compete at the highest level.
But the Terps’ run came to an end Thursday night with an 87-71 loss to Florida. After a competitive first half, Maryland struggled in the second, as the Gators pulled away. While the loss was disappointing, fans remained hopeful that the women’s team would keep the March Madness dream alive.
“It’s tough to see the men’s team leave the tournament, but our women’s team has shown incredible resilience,” said junior marketing student Alexander Mullin. “Their double-overtime win was unforgettable, and I believe they have what it takes to go even further.”
Maryland women’s basketball delivered one of the most dramatic games in tournament history, outscoring No. 5 Alabama in a double-overtime thriller, 111-108. The game was already being hailed as one of the greatest in program history. Led by standout performances from Sarah Te-Biasu and Shyanne Sellers, Maryland showed resilience and heart on its home turf at XFINITY Center.
“It’s a blessing,” Deja Jones, a junior journalism major and women’s basketball team manager, said. “This was Shyanne’s last home game, and she’s done a lot for the program. Seeing her get one last game in front of her fans and family was great. From a manager’s standpoint, I never thought I’d be here, working with one of my favorite teams.”
For many Maryland fans, the victory was more than just a tournament win, it was a testament to the team’s determination and spirit.
When asked about the significance of the moment as a student, Jones added, “Being involved with the team means a lot. It’s a lot of work and very draining, but I love what I do, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Gabrielle Miller, a senior finance major, said that she felt a rollercoaster of emotions inside the XFINITY Center during the game.
“You could feel the tension in the crowd, but at the same time, the energy was electric. Every play had the entire arena on edge,” Miller said. “When Maryland finally pulled off the win, it was just pure excitement. It felt like we had all been part of something unforgettable.”
However, Maryland’s run came to an end in the Sweet 16, when the Terps fell short in a hard-fought 71-67 loss to No. 1 South Carolina. Despite the defeat, the Maryland women’s basketball team showcased its strength, pushing one of the nation’s best teams to the limit.
As the Terps close the book on an unforgettable March Madness run, one thing is for certain: This season will be remembered as a historic one for Maryland basketball. The men’s team made a statement with its thrilling tournament run, while the women’s team continued to build on its legacy under head coach Brenda Frese. Whether in victory or defeat, both teams have marked their place in UMD history, creating moments that students, alumni, and fans will cherish for years.
Featured Image: Maryland Men’s Basketball against the University of Florida. Photo by Copyright University of Maryland Athletics, All Rights Reserved.