By JANIE MCCAULEY
SAN FRANCISCO — Will Richard scored 15 factors, Alijah Martin added 14 factors and 7 rebounds, and top-seeded Florida performed a gentle second half to run away from No. 4 seed Maryland and into the NCAA Event’s West Area last with an 87-71 win Thursday evening.
Walter Clayton Jr. contributed 13 factors and 4 assists as Florida’s Massive Three seniors and their deep supporting forged took down the Maryland “Crab Five” starters — considered one of Terrapins coach Kevin Willard’s considerations coming into this matchup.
Freshman sensation Derik Queen scored 27 factors to steer Maryland (27-9) in what might need been Willard’s last sport guiding this system. He has been linked to the opening at Villanova.
Florida (33-4) advances to play Saturday towards the winner of Thursday’s late sport at Chase Middle between third-seeded Texas Tech and No. 10 seed Arkansas.
The Gators, within the Candy 16 for the primary time since 2017 and in search of this system’s first Closing 4 berth since 2014, dedicated 13 of their 17 turnovers within the first half however took higher care of the ball over the ultimate 20 minutes. Florida already eradicated two-time defending NCAA champion UConn within the second spherical and is 10-1 in regional semifinals.
