The No. 1 seed Florida Gators (32-4) rank third in the nation in scoring offense at 85.4 points per game, while No. 5 seed Maryland (27-8) ranks 23rd at 81.4 ppg.

Florida is seeking its first Elite Eight appearance since 2017 and hopes to make its sixth Final Four trip in school history.

Four of UF's starters are averaging double figures in scoring led by senior All-American point guard Walter Clayton Jr., who is averaging 17.9 points and 4.2 assists per game.

"The separator for our team is what I call our team talent, the way our guys play together ― the unselfishness, their willingness to support whoever's night it is," Florida basketball coach Todd Golden said. "One guy can be hot and we have no bad body language. We have nobody just disappointed that it's not them."

Maryland is led by freshman center Derik Queen (16.2 ppg, 9.1 rpg), who earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. Queen (6-10, 246 pounds) and Julian Reese (6-9, 232 pounds) form a formidable Maryland frontline. The duo has developed a bond on and off the court.

"Ju has been a big brother all year," Maryland coach Kevin Willard said. "On the court he's helped Derik develop tremendously with physicality getting used to it in the Big Ten. I think Derik conversely has been a great little brother because he's always joking around and smiling. I think it's really helped Ju enjoy his senior year and really relax."

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Florida is up 18-9 at second TV timeout on Maryland, but starting forward Alex Condon just left the game after rolling his ankle on the court on a non-contact injury.

Crowd about a 50-50 split between Florida and Maryland with two teams from the east coast. The 18.000-seat arena isn't full.

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Florida 77, Maryland 70 : In another grind-it-out game, Florida will find a way to reach the Elite Eight. Look for forward Alex Condon to bounce back and force Maryland center Deric Queen to work for his offense, the way he did with Auburn's Johni Broome in UF's 90-81 upset of the Tigers on Feb. 8. Walter Clayton Jr. will continue to step up and make big shots for the Gators.

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